Not much to report this week. Kevin and I continued with the watercress purge. The canals are looking really clean. Martin asked us if he could use one of our ponds for his fish and since we have one that were not using at the moment, we said "sure". So Kevin helped with the transfer of those fish this week. Yesterday, we delivered 15 kilos of fish to a new client. He's looking to buy some of our trout every week for the next couple of months. We like that!

We have B&B guests arriving tomorrow for one night, we have another couple arriving on Tuesday for two nights and we have a man with his family coming either Thursday or Friday for a day or two (they still need to confirm), so it's going to be a busy week for hosting.

And look at what I harvested today... all these yummy red tomatoes. Super delicious!

It's also my baby boy's birthday this coming Tuesday... he enters a new decade: 20! How is that even possible? Happy Birthday, Jude! Wish we were all together to celebrate with you!

Here's a picture of Jude and his girlfriend, Christina...

This week, we caught up on some chores. Our big task was to remove the watercress that is growing abundantly in the water canals. Having some watercress is beneficial as it helps to filter and clean the water, but the amount that accumulated was over the top (we've let it get out of hand). Something needed to be done. I spent about two hours a day pulling the tenacious plant out. I still have several more days this coming week to get rid of it all. I'm sure my mother-in-law, Mary, is wondering why we don't just eat it (she loves the stuff)... but I'm not a fan. Our watercress has quite a bite to it. And although Kevin likes it... he'll only eat it now and then. Our hens, on the other hand, really gobble it up. There's just way too much of it... it needs to go.

Another task was to clean the house and while dusting our bedroom, I found this little guy perched on the alarm clock... helping me by eating any flies or spiders. Considering we leave the French doors wide open nearly every day, it's hard to believe this is the first time a lizard has entered the house -- or that we noticed. He's welcome to stay for as long as he wants.

And before I sign off, I'd like to wish my dear mother-in-law, Mary, a very happy birthday tomorrow. Wish we could be there in person to celebrate with you! May you have a wonderful day. We love you.

Well last week went by in a blink of an eye! It was great to have Phoenix and Crystal here.

On Tuesday, we did drive to "Dog Heaven" (the dog refuge). We checked the hours of operation and after a harrowing drive in insane traffic, we still made it there on time. However, when we arrived at the big red gate, it was closed and no one was around. I had to reverse down the narrow dirt driveway because there was nowhere to turn around. There were a few houses nearby so I decided to get out and ask a woman to see if the GPS had led us astray, but she confirmed we had the right place and she was surprised it wasn't open. So, we didn't get to see all those 900 puppies after all (see previous post if you don't know what I'm talking about). It was a real shame, but we did try. The girls and I braved the horrible traffic back to the highway and head up to Arenal. Once we reached the highway, it was a free and breezy drive: beautiful winding roads, gorgeous pastureland on either side, and eventually, this... ta da!

We found our hostel, unpacked our bags and then found a restaurant to have some dinner. In the evening, we lounged by the pool (well, I lounged and fell asleep, the girls went swimming) and while they were in the pool, they met another woman who was from Burlington... but not only that, they had mutual acquaintances! Small world.

The following day we went on a guided tour of the volcano. We walked to this waterfall, which I recognized from Kevin and my first trip to Costa Rica.

After the hiking was done, we ended at a hot spring where we were treated to a cocktail and a mud facial mask. It was very relaxing and a great way to end a super day.

Spending time with Phoenix was amazing... and filled my heart.

On Thursday morning, I drove Phoenix and Crystal to the airport, then headed home. While I was galavanting, Kevin was home giving a tour to a group of teachers and students from Arizona. Bill had contacted us a few months ago and mentioned that his Aunt Jo and Uncle Peter had recommended that he contact us. We remember Jo and Peter fondly... great guests from January 2015. It's amazing the connections we make.

We had invited Bill and his group to come to Hush Valley Lodge for a tour and then to go fishing at Martin's for lunch. I also suggested they do the coffee tour, meet up with our friends, Seidy and Danilo, to visit their sustainable farm, and to drop in at the Copey Learning Center. Apparently, they are doing all of those things this week.

When I arrived home, they were all at Martin's, just wrapping up their day. I was delighted to get the chance to meet Bill in person after months of emailing. Kevin said he had a really great time. Thanks Jo and Peter for spreading the word of our little piece of paradise! We appreciate it.

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!