Life with Monkeys

The One, The Only, Israel

thanks Eric, you made my day

May G-d bless Israel and you!

In honor of Steve Adler

Friends of Steve Adler surrounded his 13-year-old son, placing their hands on the big, green Stand Up Paddleboard, Steve's prize possession, where Clark sat.

Clark Adler, 13, releases flowers during a paddle-out memorial for his dad Steve Adler who died after suffering from an aneurysm at age 40. He sits on his father's board.

Clark said the biggest lesson his father taught him over the years was "how to be a good person."

Clark Adler, 13, kisses his dad's ashes before releasing them to sea during a paddle out

Many of the hundreds who gathered on the sand at Surfside beach on Sunday would have said Steve Adler was a great example of a good person, a mellow surfer with easygoing ways who always had a smile on his face.

The surfing and SUP community said goodbye to one of their own during a traditional paddle-out ceremony, with more than 350 people who sat or stood on boards offshore, held hands and splashed as memories were shared.

Steve Adler suffered an aneurysm in a vessel near his heart on March 11. He was 40.

(Steve was our friend and neighbor and a most tender-hearted and devoted father. We will miss him always.)

read the rest here

Kill The Bill

Just when I'd been feeling so low, my Facebook friend Monk, saw I'd posted a 'Kill The Bill' thing on my page and he surprised me with this fabulous, genius Photoshop!!! How nice was that?!? Thank you, thank you, Monk! You totally made my day!

In loving memory of Steve Adler

Steve Adler was my neighbor. More importantly, he was my son's dear friend and a loving and dedicated father to a remarkable and lovely young man. Steve died suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 41. Our little community and the larger surf community that was Steve's world has suffered a great loss. Our loss and grief is dwarfed by the loss his son and family will bear. I pray Steve's memory will be a blessing to all who were lucky enough to know him. And I pray his beloved son, Clark, will always remember how much his father loved him and how much we all loved his father.

RIP: Steve Adler

The untimely passing of one of Orange County's finest surfboard craftsman.

March 12, 2010, 12:33 PM

By: Jake Howard

Sadly this morning the Seal Beach and Surfside surfing communities are coming to learn that one of their own, surfer/shaper/paddler/all-around good-human Steve Adler has passed. While details of his untimely departure are still forthcoming, the impact that the 41-year-old Surfside local had on people in his brief time with us is evident.

From the shaping bay to the lineup to the start line, Adler will be missed

Adler, a career surfboard builder, shared a shaping factory in Westminster, Calif., with fellow craftsman Tim Stamps. Reportedly the two were at the shop together yesterday afternoon, Stamps up front and Adler in the back finishing up a board -- sanding a leash plug -- when Adler collapsed. Paramedics were called but attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. Early word is he died of a heartattack, but that has yet to be confirmed.

Stamps summed up his feelings about Adler in a brief Facebook post this morning:

"One of the best guys I know."

Adler was currently ranked second in the Southern California standup paddle rankings' stock class, was a partner in TheSUPSpot.com, and was in the process of helping Jodie Nelson prepare for her arduous 39-mile battle to raise breast cancer awareness.

"He raced to the finish well," commented fellow SUP competitor Lance Erickson. "I couldn't catch him last Sunday in Cabrillo. That green board was out of reach, sorry for your loss... we as a family of paddlers will miss him."

Alder leaves behind a 13-year-old son and very heartbroken surfing community. Details about memorial services to come.

The Charlie's Angels of Middle-Aged Housewives

New Year's Eve at La Reina's. It was a ridiculously good time. Champagne, (and lots of it!) exotic food, and dancing! That's right, dancing. Of course the majority of the dancers are seen here in this photo. I decided not to post any of the actual dancing photos as it is virtually impossible that three free-form dancing ladies all look good in the same shot! We really partied like it was 1999!

Feliz Cumpleaños, Reina

Nothing is too fancy for Esther. Really, if it's shiny or sparkles or dangles or in any way draws attention to itself, Esther will want it! She is a rare one who can pull it off. She is what she is and makes no apologies.  She is also the truest friend a person could have. I can tell her anything, knowing she will cry with me or laugh with me, whichever is appropriate to the occassion! And oh boy, have we laughed. At each other, at life and of course, at unsuspecting strangers! And so, I wish you the happiest of birthdays, my dearest friend. I hope we grow old together. Mostly, because I'd really like to see you start looking your age, OLD friend!

Love Thy Neighbor

I do. It's easy to love your neighbor when he is a charming, warm, interesting, intelligent, and all-around swell guy.  I am lucky to have such a neighbor and his name is John. He's a self-made man who was raised old school; learning the value of a good education, hard work, charity, and kindness . And he is really funny, although perhaps not quite as funny as he thinks he is!  (I'm just kidding, John!)  Of course, the best thing about him just might be his prettier half, Mary Lou!  This photo was taken during Adrian's send-off, a few weeks ago. John is the handsome man to my left. Today is his birthday. Happy Birthday, dearest John. I am so glad you were born and so happy that you are my friend.

Happy Birthday, Virginia!

Who's the fairsest one of all? That's easy, that's my Vee. With her blonde hair, porcelain skin and eyes as blue as the Mediterranean Sea.; she is one of those beautiful women who seems completely unaware of just how pretty she is. We are seen here at a fun event for our favorite talk show hosts. We, middle-aged groupies, giggling like schoolgirls at meeting the men whose opinions and points of view we discuss as if they were close personal friends of ours. And each time we meet, we run out of hours before we run out of things to say! But I digress, my dear friend, Virginia, is witty and smart and stylish.  She's a woman who has a way of telling a story that makes you feel as though she has made the world stop and her story has no end in sight!!! But she is worth it and after being blessed by her friendship for a decade or more, I love her more today than yesterday...yesterday, she really got on my nerves! Just kidding, my friend. I love you and I hope you have a birthday as lovely as you are.

Because There's Just Nothing Funnier Than Crushing Your Little Brother

This weekend we had a little shindig for the boy who is going off to school. Nothing fancy. In fact, it is the first time I have not prepared a single thing for a party; we bought it all. You can't go too far wrong on burgers and dogs but the other stuff was, well, um, okay. "Nuff said." Most of the party took place outside but towards the end of it, as my mister walked into the house, this is what he saw.
Young people laughing because Adrian was sitting on Ivan, who was delighted just to be part of the fun. Good times.

I was so pleased to spend the day surrounded by the people I love and who love my boys. Nothing like it, I tell you, nothing like it. Being surrounded by friends can cure an awful lot of life's ills. In this shot, I am holding a tray full of chocolately goodness. Looking at the photo, I can't help thinking the caption should read, "Hey listen, if I give you all of these desserts, can I keep the boy?"
 

Manly Men

I adore these two men. Dave, who I love like a brother and my man-child, B. They are two peas in a pod; they both spear-fish and scuba dive, they are both mellow and funny and they are both as gentle as the day is long. I could eat them up. The other day found my man-child invited to go spear fishing with a friend so we headed off to 'Uncle' Dave's to borrow a spear gun. And a weight belt. First, let me say this about my man-child spear fishing; all I can think about when he is out there is, "Gee, I hope he isn't accidentally speared by his friend." Sometimes I can't stop thinking about the late and beloved Steve Irwin. For obvious reasons.
I don't mention that to the boy because there is no way I want to ruin it for him or make him become the caretaker of my irrational fears. At least that! Anyway, here is Dave fixing the spear gun for my man-child. We caught him in the middle of working on his house. Note the attractive tool belt he is wearing! After the gun was fixed, Dave gave B some advice. He told B to let himself sink to the bottom of the sea floor and shut his eyes. He said that years ago someone had advised him to do that very thing and he did it. He stayed very still and closed his eyes for some time and when he opened his eyes, he was surrounded by fish! How do you like that! We'll have to see how that works out for my boy. Now I get to worry that some great sea creature will be able to sneak up on my boy as he has his eyes closed at the bottom of the sea! When I said I love Dave like a brother, I meant like a step-brother!

 

Wigged Out

Blonds DO have more fun!  Just kidding.  While I did have a really good time at the Wig Party, there was no discernible difference from the fun I normally have at a party as my boring old brunette self.  I did FEEL quite glamorous, though.  The party was a lot of fun and and our lovely hostess had prizes for the people who were voted Most Unrecognizable, Most Adorable, and Most Outrageous. Ivan designed and printed out the ballots in advance. One of the things I enjoyed most about the party is that we were asked to write our names on a name tag and below our name, write what our fantasy occupation would be!  How fun is that? It was very revealing.  Many of the men I spoke with had chosen to be or coach professional athletes as their fantasy profession and I was moved by a woman whose name tag read that she was already a teacher so she would choose to be a stay-at-home mom.  I thank God every day that that's what I get to do.  As for my fantasy profession...I wrote Nightclub Singer.  I mean, what could be better?  You get to wear beautiful clothes and sing!  In front of people!  And even though I didn't win any of the prizes, just between me and you and you and me, I think I was the most adorable wig-wearer there.  How's that for whatever the opposite of humble is?

Just Swell

The swell comes in and the boys go out. Hardly boys any more.  Manly men, all of them. I am well pleased that most of them have been friends for so for many years. I remember them as little boys with their high voices and shyness.  Now, most of them tower over me and greet me with deep voices and awkward hugs. Young men on the threshold of life.To be young again.  I look at them and think of the journey that lies ahead of them. The adventures and successes, the broken hearts and disappointments. A part of me wishes I had it to do all over again. I would have been more specific, more proactive. I made it up as I went along instead of planning any of it. Frankly, it's a miracle of nature that it has gone as well as it has given how little of it I actually planned and how little I knew, about myself and about life, when I made life altering decisions. After giving it a lot of thought I realize that my life is something I let happen rather than a life I designed. Now that I see how I got here, I am setting about making plans for my future. I have some big ideas. Big, exciting and fabulous ideas!  But I think I should start on some smaller ones. After all, I am new to the proactive approach and God willing, I intend to live a very long time.   

Bridge and Biscotti

I get a call the other day from a neighbor.  She is someone I like and admire very much.  She and I engaged in a little small talk and then she tells me that she plays Bridge once a week with a group of ladies here in my neighborhood.  As she is telling me this I am wondering why she is telling me this.  I thought it odd for her to mention as I thought she was calling me on official neighborhood business.  So, yes she plays bridge. She goes on to explain that every once in a while their group invites others to play Bridge with them and was wondering if I would like to join them on Monday.  I ask if they do that so that afterwards, they can laugh at us.  She says, "Of course not!  We laugh at you while you are there."  Unfazed I reply, "I do not play Bridge but I would be delighted to join you on Monday."  She asks if I know how to play cards at all.  I replied, "Well not to brag or anything but I have played Go Fish and I do sometimes play Solitaire on my computer."  I think I heard her stifle a laugh and then she asked if she could come over on Saturday to give me a few pointers.  I would be honored.  I am so excited to learn all about Bridge and the neighborhood ladies who play although I am nervous as I know the group is somewhat elderly and I tend to get nervous around those of advanced age and wisdom.  In my life BC (before Costa) I likely would have turned down this wonderful opportunity.  You see, among my many quirks, (some may say neuroses) is that I find it very difficult to leave my house.  My life in the jungle seems to have cured me of that.  Having had so few opportunities to socialize in the jungle left me hungry and grateful for the opportunities I have here.  Where does the biscotti come in?  I feel that giving my new Bridge friends some homemade biscotti is the least I can do.         

Happy Birthday, Dave

Their friendship (and foolishness) began when they met at the ripe old age of 13.  This photo was taken three years later; 16 years old and full of life, promise, and hormones!  Their friendship, more than four decades of it, more like a brotherhood.  David, handsome, funny and tender-hearted.  In the twenty years I have known you,  I have seen you grow from a sought-after bachelor to a family man whose life's joy is his family.   

Thank you for being my children's 'Uncle Dave.'
Thank you for being a loving and faithful friend to me.  And thank you for never telling me to "SHUT UP" when I give you unsolicited advice, nearly every time we're together. You are good at many things and chief among them, is the ability to love with your whole heart.  You are a blessing to all who are lucky enough to call you a friend.  Now all you need to do is relax a little and believe it.  (There I go with the advice, again)  I love you from the bottom of my heart.  I hope you have a happy birthday, you deserve it.                                    

Home Girls

You never know when you meet someone, how much or how little they will figure into your life.  We met a million years ago at our children's school.  Isn't that how all women meet?  Years later, our children are no longer in the same schools or circles but the bond between us has been set.  They are stuck with me and I with them. Friendship is funny that way.  These two have been a great surprise.  We discuss politics, religion, children, travel and the boring stuff, too.  Sometimes we even talk about our former lives; the ones before husbands and children.  And we are beginning to discuss our lives after children are grown.  Okay, I am the one beginning those discussions as I am the one with the most elderly child.  We laugh often and loudly.  We confide in each other and know we will not be judged or betrayed.  And though our childhoods, husbands, and backgrounds could not be more different, we are unified by the most important and defining element of our lives; our values.  How lucky am I?            

My Costa Rican BFF (Best Friend Forever)

Meet Rosita.  She is our friend Omar's wife.  She is of uncommon spirit and beauty.  She is as good as she is lovely and that is saying something.  She grew up in pretty dire circumstances and of her numerous siblings, she was the only one who was determined and resourceful enough to educate herself.  I love her. We have only seen each other a few times and the last time was when we all went to the Tilapia Farm for lunch a few weeks ago.  During our lunch, she told me her story.  I was moved by her honesty and by her depth.  I admire her strength and courage and decency.  Her story is far more interesting and inspirational than mine, I assure you.  But, it's her story to tell so I will leave it at that.  For lunch I had ordered the Olla de Carne, (Beef Stew) and when she saw how much I enjoyed it she declared that she would teach me to make it sometime.  So, the other afternoon, after she had worked all day at the local clinica, then picked up her one year old baby boy, she showed up here with all of the ingredients to make Olla de Carne.  My men entertained little Omar and she and I went to work in the kitchen.  I didn't even know half of the vegetables she had brought over and I had no idea how to peel or cook them, either.  But, I was a willing student and she was a patient teacher.  In my life, I have had exactly one friend come over and teach me to cook something.  That was my friend Marti, and can it be a coincidence that Marti and Rosita are both generous, Latinas, and fabulous cooks?  We peeled and chopped and cooked the stew and while the thing was cooking, we talked and talked.  In spite of the fact that we barely know each other, she and I shared our most serious and intimate thoughts.  Like about the afterlife and our hopes for our children and our religious beliefs.  We also shared a lot of laughter.  My kids were in and out of the kitchen poking around and telling Rosita how delicious the stew smelled.  She told me that in the seven years she has lived in this area, she has never cooked with anyone before.  Her family lives far away and she has few friends here.  Hey, me too!!! 
Unlike beef stew at home, the vegetables are fished out of the pot after they are cooked and served separately so that one can choose which they want.    
They also leave the vegetables and beef in GIANT pieces.  So listen to this, since the pieces of beef in the stew are large and still have bone attached, they eat it with their hands here.  My kids LOVED that part!  Me?  Not so much.  The stew was unbelievably tasty but I do think I will make Rosita our version just so she can see how much easier it is to eat it with the beef and veggies in pieces that will actually fit into your spoon.
We all enjoyed the whole experience and I will have to be sure to repeat it very soon although this time, I will do the cooking while my friend is still at work.  It feels so good to have met someone in my neighborhood who I feel I can build a real friendship with.  Who knew in fewer than three months in the jungle I would find my new BFF?         

'Uncle' Dave and 'Aunt' Denise Come to Costa Rica

'Uncle' Dave has been one my husbands dearest friends since they met at the ripe old age of 13 years old.  Dave is a tender-hearted treasure of a man who has been an 'uncle' to my boys since the day they were born.  He was the first of our friends to meet Adrian, nearly 19 years ago.  Dave showed up at the hospital with a radiant smile on his face and small baseball glove in his hands.  My husband loved playing baseball and Dave wanted Adrian introduced to his dad's favorite sport, tout de suite!  'Aunt' Denise is the beauty he married and had two darling sons with.  Days ago, they arrived in Costa Rica with two extra suitcases, (TWO!) full of school supplies for our neighborhood school, chocolates and goodies for me, and clothes for the children in our community.  Dave has a giant heart and a generous spirit.  He is the one who makes the LAX drive to pick up my husband so I won't have to be on the freeway late at night, even though arrival time is always way past his bedtime.  He has a quick smile and tells the funniest stories.  And for the past 20 years, I have loved him like a brother.  Sure, sometimes more like a step-brother but nobody's perfect! That he and Denise to took the time, money and energy to get all of the school supplies, clothing for the kids and all of my goodies, speaks volumes about the kind of people they are.  Anyway, while they were here, Denise suggested we all take a morning to go river rafting.  I have done it in the past a few times and it is always fun and of course the boys wanted to do it but when we got started and hit the first rapid, I instantly regretted tagging along.  The water was icy, the rocks in the river enormous and the river was much more aggressive than I'd expected.  Denise, on the other hand, was having fun and the most relaxed I have ever seen her.  At one point, the water was flooding into the raft and I was nearly floating out of it and I'm pretty sure I was screaming like a little girl when I felt Denise's hand in mine.  She had grabbed it to reassure me and make sure I didn't fall out of the raft.  I turned to look at her and she had the most fabulous smile on her face like she was having the time of her life.  I suddenly didn't feel frightened by the water and rocks and current and I began to relax.  I wouldn't have missed it for the world, that morning together.  Being away from nearly everything and everyone I am used to finding comfort in, has taught me a great deal about what I really require to be happy.  And spending the past few days with my dear friends, made me very, very happy.

Kristy and Todd

How does one improve on paradise?  Easy, just add friends.  These friends are our neighbors as well and are the very definition of friend.  They pick up and bring us our mail, brought goodies for all of us, keep an eye on our house and when we are home, they are the quintessential good neighbors and friends.            

They also happen to be a terrific amount of fun.  And Kristy is funny, kind, and generous.  She is also the best wife in the world; you will just have to trust me on that one.  And Todd?  Let's just say he is generous with my kids and he is a manly-man who can play the guitar and sing and you KNOW what I think about that!  As Adrian surfed with Todd and Ivan spent most of his free time at their house and I would find any excuse to go for a visit with Kristy, we have missed them quite a bit.  Not to mention, both of my boys routinely called their house to see if Todd was interested in going in the ocean with them!  It's a pretty funny thing when your teen-aged boys call a grown man's wife to see if her husband can come out and play!  I can't imagine what would go through Kristy's head every time my kids called her house looking for Todd.  I mean, I'm pretty sure she would prefer her husband spend the time with their own three young sons but if that was the case, she never let on.  She is the epitome of generosity, she is.  So, our dear friends had to make a kamikazee trip to Costa Rica as they are building a home down here and it was time to tie up some loose ends and stuff.  Lucky us!
Naturally, the moment we arrived at their place, the men threw off their shoes, grabbed their boards, and disappeared into the surf.   And in spite of the fact that Kristy had not slept all night and was staying at a friends house, she managed to shop so that we could have snacks and a glass of wine together.  Did I mention how much I love this woman?  After a short visit and a glass of wine, we went out to watch our men surf.  The sunset was breathtaking.  I realize that I may use that word excessively in writing about this country but I really am not exaggerating. 

See what I mean? And this photo doesn't even begin to capture it, really.   After the men got their fill of surfing (and it was dark out!), they began round two; the swimming pool!  They came in tired and hungry so we decided to head over to Las Olas. Let me tell you a little about Las Olas (The Waves).  It's located on the beach, serves fabulous food at very reasonable prices, and is so Gringo that when my son ordered in Spanish, the waitress looked surprised and said, "WHAT?"  Most of us ordered the sesame seed encrusted Ahi and it was spectacular.

At the end of the evening, I didn't want to say goodbye.  It was just the beginning of the best days we have enjoyed since moving down here.  The following day another couple was coming in from California who are also like family to us.  Who, you may wonder, are they?  I guess you will just have to check back to find out!     

My Little Friends

Among the many things I love about having moved here, this would have to be one of my top three.  Every day, at least once, I hear little voices outside of my front door calling out, 'Norita!'  For some reason my little friends do not like using the doorbell or knocking on the door. Sometimes it takes a few 'Norita's' for me to hear them but eventually I do and open the front door to find these two boys standing on my porch, bearing gifts; wildflowers they've picked or drawings they've done, or in this case, tiny bananas.  These boys are best friends.  Their parents are good friends and their homes are just yards from each other.  There is a sweetness and innocence about them that I find completely disarming.  They have a great deal to say and most of it is really funny or interesting.  They are also very, very smart.  And they know things.  Things I don't know.  Like which lizards are poisonous and which of our neighbors drive (sin respeto) like maniacs!  They also know enough to wear knee-high rubber boots to protect themselves from the snakes!  These boys bring me many things, most notably joy.  My sons find it more than a bit strange that these two little boys have taken such a liking to me.  After all, to my sons I am just an ordinary mom.  My boys ask me, "Why do they like you so much?"  I reply, "It's very simple.  I give them something not many people do, the time of day."  I simply treat them like the little treasures they are.   

Randall

Since moving here one of the biggest adjustments for our family has been that Adrian, who had two jobs, school, and lots of friends in California, is suddenly without a job to go to, out of school, and his only friends have been his parents and little brother.  Too much togetherness for him, just perfect for me!  In any event, in the English class Adrian has been teaching, there is a young man named Randall, who has struck up a friendship with Adrian.  They wanted to 'hang out'  together so I suggested he come to dinner here so that I could serve as interpreter if needed. 

A few nights ago, Randall came over and spent the evening with us.  There is so much that is fabulous and remarkable about this young man, I scarcely know where to begin.  In the span of the evening spent talking with Randall, I learned quite a bit about him and the way things work around here, beginning with the academic path for children in this area.  In this country one is required to attend school through 6th grade.  After that, you either go to work or go to high school or a vocational school.  Randall is in his 5th year (of six) at a vocational school where he is studying tourism.   While he was telling us about his schedule, he tells us that he will frequently stay up late studying, then sleep for a few hours and get up again at about 2:00 in the morning to study some more!  Yeah, that's right.  He's 17 years old and he actually has an appreciation for his education.  He also comments on the way the weather around here is perfect because the water never gets so cold that you have to psyche yourself up to get in the shower.  Thus, I learned that his house doesn't have hot water.  He also told us about his father; he works for the red cross here where he does everything from drive an ambulance to put out fires!  Randall's mom works at the school part-time where I believe she cooks the childrens' lunches.  Randall works, too.  He does everything from a little plumbing work to yard work.  He even invested in a weed-whacker for himself to use on his jobs. 

He commented on the pride he feels that he has bought himself his own computer and cell phone and that he isn't a drain on his parents financially.  He is also quite the ladies man!  During the English class Adrian teaches, Randall tends to 'drape' himself across the prettiest girl in the class.  A different one each week!   Aside from Randall's industriousness and ambition, it is his personality and attitude that I most enjoyed.  He has a quick smile and a good sense of humor.  I couldn't be happier that this is the young man who Adrian has struck up a friendship with.  That part I love.  The part I don't love?  When I looked out of the window the other day as they left for an outing and they were both on Randall's 'moto'!      

Somebody Up There Likes Me

Yeah, that's right.  Somebody up there in North America likes me.  And from the looks of these many treasures, she likes me A LOT!  In spite of the fact that she insists on referring to my little blog as a bloB, she is dearer to me than all of the treasures on earth. She is very pretty and funny and elegant and witty.  And she has unspeakably good taste.  Particularly with regard to husbands and friends.  She sent me this generous care package with her handsome and charming and funny and warm and clever and brilliant husband who came to town.  But that's not all!  As luck would have it, the bridges were such a mess that friend's husband had no choice but to ditch the idea of going to his hotel and spent the night here!!!  Yahoo!  Pajama Party!  The men were leaving for the nation's capital at 5:00 IN THE MORNING so it wasn't exactly the let's-watch-movies all night and do our nails kind of pajama party.  That will likely work better when I get a female friend down here, anyway.  I did really love having friend's husband here and not just because he brought us our mail, and the wonderful treats, and a guitar tuner for my guitar-playing monkey.  In spite of the fact that this handsome and charming man had been up for about 36 hours straight, before heading to bed he gave me the loveliest gift.  He talked to me.  For a really long time!  We talked current events, politics,  kids, even Buddhism.  I am blessed beyond measure.  Sandi and Griff, friends to the friendless in a third world country and purveyors of fabulous treats.  My cup runneth over. 

Superheroes in the Rain

It is still pouring rain.  Cayendo sapos y culebras. (Raining frogs and snakes.)
As I stood in my kitchen peeling a mango, I noticed the boys across the road waving to me.  These boys fill me with tenderness.  They are sweet and friendly and respectful and happy children.  They live in tiny shacks with corrugated metal roofs.  They walk and run and play on these gravel roads barefoot.  And they smile with their whole bodies; like they don't have a care in the world.  There is a small shack on our property and today we were in it talking about the improvements Brian was making.  Once fixed up a bit, the shack will house some of Adrian's surf homies, when they come to visit.  As Brian was showing me his work, I felt a presence. When I turned around, there in the corner, was the cutest, quietest little superhero.

Ivan's New 'Homies'

It was my wise and wonderful mother-in-law, of blessed memory, who always said, "Ivan doesn't know a stranger."  She said this about Ivan since he was about 2 years old.  He would approach anyone who struck his fancy and announce, "Hi, me Iben."  And that was it, they were now friends.
Here in Costa Rica, it is pretty much the same thing.  He has met and established friendship with the neighborhood kids.  After Ivan spent an afternoon playing with these three brothers and the kid across the road from us, they appeared here the following afternoon, and every afternoon since, I might add.  This is what I see outside our fence every afternoon.  They wait quietly and patiently for Ivan to appear outside and go play with them.  Ivan speaks no Spanish and they speak even less English.  It doesn't seem to matter to any of them.
They play tag, 
marbles, soccer, or rather, futbol, hide and seek, eat popscicles, and talk together.  Yes, they talk.  Ivan is never quite sure what his friends are saying to him and I am quite sure his friends haven't a clue what Ivan is saying, but it doesn't seem to matter to any of them.  I think I could learn a lot from these boys.
   

Happy Birthday, Logan

Happy birthday to a fine young man; seven years old today. 

Here's a little something my little boys wrote, to add to your happy day.

L is for Lovable,

O for Outdoorsy,

G is for Gnarly,

A for Amazing and

N is for Nice to be in his life. 

We love you and hope your day is as fabulous as you are, little man.

I'm Not Worthy

Last night, on Brian's last night here, our dear friends (Kristy and Todd, and Dave and Denise)threw us a party.  Complete with spectacular cake, as shown here.  I was delighted and moved and feel completely humbled by their generosity.  In fact, they even let me sing!  In Spanish!!! 

Last night, was pure magic!  First, I should say that Ivan spends more waking hours at Kristy and Todd's house than at his own.  And Adrian seeks Todd's company for surfing, kiteboarding or just a good conversation.  Not to mention, Kristy and Todd have three sons who are spectacularly cute and smart.

This is Kristy.  I love her!  She is funny and good to me and my kids and will be keeping an eye on my house and collecting my mail and even when my kids are rotten, she tells me she thinks they are great kids, no one's perfect, you know!Everyone should have a friend like Kristy in their lives.  Moving away has certainly shown me how dear my friends are and made me feel that hey, maybe I shouldn't go!

Here is a shot of Adrian with Uncle Dave on his right and Todd on his left.  Manly men, to be sure!  My boy simply lights up around these two men.  The best part is that both of  these friends have bought property in Costa Rica. Todd and Kristy's house is nearly complete and we will all be in the jungle together someday!  What on earth did I ever do to deserve such blessings?  Somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good!!!  I just couldn't resist!

Nice and EZ

  If you were to look up the word fancy in the dictionary, it is likely you would find a photo of my dear friend, Esther.  She defines elegance and fanciness (is that even a word?) in a way that is unlike anything I have ever encountered.  She has fabulous taste and is known to purchase anything she comes across that is shiny!  I'm not kidding.

We have many things in common; fanciness not being one of them.  We are both micro-managing, homeschooling Latinas, who were raised with completely Latino values.  Such as, you don't go barefoot unless you can't afford shoes, camping is something you do if you don't have a home, and just try suggesting a sleep-over!!!

EZ also has a wicked sense of humor.  And I do mean wicked.  She will make a devastating remark or observation and then open her eyes in wide-eyed innocence, daring you to question her.  I usually don't take the dare. 

Last night EZ invited me and my DH to her palace for a fabulous dinner party.  She had told her DH, who is the funniest and cutest metallurgist you would ever want to meet, that I had a soft spot for the Lemon Drop Martini, so the mad scientist made one for me upon my arrival!  I was really feeling the love, and the alcohol!  Here is a photo of Esther and me with another of our friends, Virginia.  Virginia will have to be the subject of another post, another day.  She is lovely, to be sure, but the things that she comes up with!

    As for dinner, Esther made an Asian Feast!  Here is a photo of the main course, which was perfectly seared tuna and sitr-fried veggies on a bed of sticky rice.  The photo doesn't do it justice, really. 

And, as if the Lemon Drop weren't thoughtful enough, Esther, who herself is immune to the joys of baked goods and chocolate in particular, made a delicious chocolate dessert in my honor. Indeed, I was and continue to be honored by EZ's friendship.