I'm in happyland

Kevin and I went to San Jose on Wednesday to pick up my lovely daughter, Phoenix, and her boyfriend, Ben, at the airport. I've simply been consumed with spending as much time with them. It's been fabulous!

Yesterday was Phoenix's 24th birthday... I'm so proud of the woman she has become. We invited Nacho, who had met Phoenix last year during her visit here. We thought it would be a nice reunion for them to catch up and for Nacho to meet Ben, as well. Kevin and I were also delighted to see him: it's been several months since we've seen him. We had a delicious chocolate cake, too, with candles and everything. It was a really nice celebration.

Yesterday also brought some adventure. I had to go into Santa Maria and San Marcos to run a few errands. Phoenix and Ben came, too. We stopped to have some coffee and I gave them a quick tour of both towns. It started to pour as we made our way back home. By the time we reached the bridge in Rio Blanco – the bridge with have to cross to get to our place – the river swelled and was gushing over the dirt bridge making it impassable. I had to park the SUV near the school and we walked over the horizontal tree trunk that is used as a foot path. Phoenix and Ben were game. We jumped over the rushing water that was spilling over and causing a stream in the middle of the road. It was a muddy mess, but we laughed and said "Costa Rica, baby!". We got home, changed into dry clothes and got ready for dinner.

In the meantime, Kevin was taking care of the ponds, making sure the dirty water was not coming through the aqueduct. The river rose two feet in just a couple of hours. This morning, the sun was shining and pretty much back to normal. There was a man in a digger repairing the bridge, as well.

Phoenix and Ben were supposed to go horseback riding today, but Phoenix wasn't feeling very well, they cancelled the tour. Tomorrow, I'm taking them to Providencia to spend some time at a beautiful waterfall. We'll head out early (hopefully it will be sunny) and be home by lunchtime, before the rain. And then on Sunday... we drive to Puerto Viejo for three days! We're going white water rafting!! I've never been, but it's on my bucket list, so I'm THRILLED and can't wait! (My two lovely sisters gifting me with the experience for an early 50th birthday present... my birthday isn't until November, but this is the perfect gift! I'm a lucky girl ).

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