A little going-away party for friends

Earlier in the week, Kevin and Martin filled up the hatchery pond and transferred our fingerlings from the concrete container into the pond. We've never used this pond before, but it's a lovely big space. Our fingerlings seemed quite big in the concrete container, but so small in the pond. It feels like walking your child to the school bus stop on the first day of school... you know they're ready and will have a fun time, but you worry a little that they're leaving the protection of your watchful eye. Having said that, Kevin added a low electric fence to prevent the otters and raccoons from going into the pond, as well as another taller line to prevent the heron from wading in. There are 3,000 fish in this new pond. We haven't lost many to these critters since adding some fencing, so it seem to be doing its job nicely.

We had B&B guests arrive on Thursday. We were very happy to welcome Krista and Dave from Oregon again. They had stayed with us in January and decided to come back with friends, Diana and Tom. We were thrilled to see them again and happy to meet their friends, too. On Saturday morning, I drove them down to Copey and up the road to see if we could spy some Quetzals. We did spot one eventually, but he was pretty far away. There weren't as many as last week, so perhaps they're moving on.

Then on Saturday afternoon, there was a going-away party for our friends, Bonnie and Joe. We never leave the property while we have guests, and thought Krista, Dave, Diana and Tom might enjoy the experience a Costa Rica potluck lunch, so we invited them to come along.

Bonnie and Joe moved here from Arizona this past fall. They rented a house and settled in San Marcos while they've been travelling around the country experiencing the beaches and other areas, trying to find a place that tugs at them. They recently found a beautiful home in Tinamastes, which is about 2 hours away, and closer to the beach. They seem very happy with their decision to relocate, but of course we're all sad to see them leave the area. Larry and Cindy hosted the party at their house in Santa Maria... everyone brought food, and boy was it an amazing spread!! I made some Ceviche, Kevin smoked some trout, Krista brought several dips with bread, Cindy made Thai coconut soup (YUM!), Bonnie made a bean tortilla, which was to die for, Larry made a mango salad... oh the list goes on. The food was incredible and we are gorged ourselves. Fun was had by all... and Krista, Dave, Diana and Tom fit right in.

Our friend, Francis (left) with Bonnie (right)

Kevin with Joe (left)

Annika, Larry and Cindy

Dave, Krista, Tom and Diana

Tony (left), Krista and Dave