A fun week with Phoenix and Crystal

Yes, it's true... I did skip a week of blog writing. But, I'm back! Happy Mother's Day to my mother and all who are mothers out there. Also, just want to say how wonderful it is to be Mum to Phoenix and Jude. I'm just so blessed.

Last week we had two separate B&B guests... both parties were very nice. And while we're always happy to host people we don't know, I admit I was a bit distracted with the impending arrival of Phoenix and her friend Crystal.

I drove down to San Jose on Thursday to pick them up and we've been keeping pleasantly busy... but not too busy. They went to the Santa Maria Coopedota coffee tour yesterday and seemed to really enjoy it. Crystal loves coffee and worked at Starbucks once upon a time, so she found the whole process very interesting.

Today, we dropped in on our good friends, Rafa and Minor, on the other side of the mountain where they have a gorgeous house and beautiful Japanese garden. After our lovely visit, we headed to Providencia to sit by our favourite waterfall (this is becoming a bit of a ritual with Phoenix). It was cloudy today, so as we drove up the mountainside, on the old rutted roads, Phoenix and Crystal experienced the effect of the 'cloud forest' -- it's a different kind of beauty up there above the clouds.

Tomorrow, we're going to have a stay-at-home day and relax... well, Kevin, Martin and I will be fishing first thing in the morning as usual, but the rest of the day will be carefree. Crystal wants to catch a fish for her dinner, so we'll definitely be doing that, too. On Tuesday, the ladies and I will be driving up to Territorio de Zaguates, a dog refuge (also known as Dog Heaven) where over 900 dogs have been rescued. People can go and spend time with these dogs, go for a hike, and of course adopt. It was Phoenix's who stumbled up this place on the internet and commented that she'd love to go, but she had no idea where it was located in Costa Rica. When I found out it was on the way to Arenal where we'll be staying for two nights, I figured it was the perfect opportunity to stop in. I can barely handle two dogs... I can't imagine 900!! But just look at those faces... (there will be no acquiring of dogs... let me assure you!)

And on Thursday morning, after our Arenal stay, I'll be driving Phoenix and Crystal to the airport before heading home. Back to reality... for them... and for us. But let's not wish our time away... I'll sign off and soak it all in for a while longer!