All by myself... but not really

I can't believe it's December already. How did that happen? We've been in Costa Rica 14 weeks and 2 days, and I've never been on the property on my own for more than an hour or two. Usually I'm the one going off to school or to the Copey Learning Center to teach or flying to Canada, leaving Kevin to his own devices. However, Kevin decided today would be the day we would buy our washing machine. I have to say it was like angels were looking down and took pity on me. The seats in the back of the SUV would have to go all the way down, which meant there wouldn't be any room for me to join in all the shopping fun at Price Smart and EPA!  So I plotted... hmmm, what would I do with a day to myself at home. I would, of course, do my regular chores and a bit of cleaning, but I craved some quiet reading time. Yes, that would be perfect. 

The boys left at 8:15 am. It was quite nippy this morning so I started a fire and decided to take a nice hot bath. While I let the water run on the hot setting,  I made the bed and tidied up. Looking forward to a steamy soak, I was gravely disappointed when my feet stepped into the lukewarm water. I tried to convince myself that it wasn't that bad, but really, lukewarm water just doesn't cut it when you're hoping to lounge and relax. I got out, dried myself and got dressed. I promptly went to the garage to check the hot water heater setting and it was set on low... that explains it. At least it's not broken. 

Just as I settled in to read my book, our neighbour Holly called to ask if she could come over. While I was waiting for her to arrive, I made myself useful and pruned one of the thorny bushes that grows right on the corner of the house. When we walk to the back of the house, we have to be careful not to brush against the branches... its long thorns can scratch an eye out. I showed no mercy, I was on a mission and cut it right back. Good job done, and I felt like I accomplished something so I could later read guilt-free. Holly showed up about a half hour later. We had made a deal that she would give me some beef jerky and smoked trout in exchange for driving her into Santa Maria last Friday. She made good on her promise. She gave me 4 different types of beef jerky and a package of smoked trout. Yum. Then we sat outside and had a lovely chat. It was nice to see her again. She tends to keep to herself mostly, but I'm glad she feels our door is open to her. 

About an hour after Holly had left, Cindy called and said she had something to give me. Fifteen minutes or so later, she arrived with Sharon and Thomas. They had walked over. They had an invitation for Kevin and me. There is a end-of-school party on Thursday. Should be fun. They stayed for about an hour before heading home. 

Then I baked some fresh bread and started the pasta sauce for dinner. At about 3 pm, I finally sat down to read my book. The boys were back by 4 pm with a load of groceries to unpack. It wasn't the reading day I had hoped for, but it was still a really great day. I have friends and neighbours who come by and visit... face to face and everything. It's really quite lovely. People don't seem to do that where we're from in Canada; it takes 3 months of back-and-forth emails to set a date to get together. 

Kevin and Paul had a successful shopping day. They managed to purchase a fine washing machine that I trust will clean our clothes better than the one we have now. And I think they had fun at EPA, (pronounced eh-pah) too, as boys do. With glee in their voices, they told me all about the price and brand comparisons they did.  All I can say is 'thank you angels above for sparing me from what I consider hell!'