Adam's blog:
I was the only one who went surfing today-- Jared and I went to the beach here at Santa Teresa rather than driving to Playa Hermosa as we'd done since Tuesday. We both scraped our feet on the rocks heading out. I only caught two waves in something like 90 minutes of time on the water. I feel a bit frustrated that I don't seem to be as connected and competent as last time-- though I think there are some other factors-- I'm not in as good physical condition as last year, especially as last year I was swimming regularly and doing yoga in the months before the vacation, and this time I'm somewhat distracted by the dissertation.
In any case, Jared had brought his own board, and hung out with me for a bit but then went to play in the big break. I eventually drifted North to the rocky outjut at the top of the beach and paddled in-- walked back to the home beach and went out a second time. After coming in, I found a rain-fed pond just inland of the beach, with some kids playing with their mom along with a few other couples. It will be fun to take our kids there tomorrow-- it's shaded and cool.
I tried to go back in a third time-- Jared left to take care of other things, but quickly banged my foot on a rock, and then got wiped out by a full wave, which turned the board over and I realized that the board was missing a fin. Day over. Marieke says it's not a big deal, but I still feel bad-- I shouldn't have gone in the third time, as I'm sure that's when it happened. In addition, it seems that someone made off with my WalMart crocs, including the inserts. I shouldn't have brought them to the beach, with no one to watch them for almost 2 hours-- as we were headed into the water I actually had the "well, I'll never see those again" thought, but decided to hope. No worries-- I have sneakers with a second set of inserts, so I'm fine, thought it was nice to wear the crocs around the house with the inserts-- last year when I didn't wear the inserts for 2 weeks my feet really hurt.
We had a much lazier morning-- no yoga, no surfing timeframe. The kids played quite well without their electronic equipment-- they had some sort of pokemon-jaguar family event going on. This was also our first day without anyone cooking for us-- we had no trouble finding meals from leftovers and the groceries from earlier in the week. We did go to the beach to play in the mid-morning-- the sun was blazing down and the waves were very strong-- we only stayed out about 30 minutes because I felt like I was already burning through my sunblock, and I didn't want the kids to end up with a bad burn.
Lynn and Marieke and the kids went into town-- Taran got a close haircut (for $4), and they picked out a few books and toys, as well as stocking up on water and groceries. We had a slow afternoon-- not even playing in the pool or going back to the beach.
Arguably the big event of the day was that I shaved Taran's head too! He was quite enthusiastic about it, have been asking all week to have it done. It took nearly an hour, all told, and used up a razor blade, but no cuts or injuries, and he looks cool. I wasn't brave enough to do a really thorough job so his head would be smooth-- he ended up with a 5 o'clock shadow, but he seemed very pleased, and kept running his hand over it (as I did my own 3 days ago). My hair has finally reached the fuzzy stage again-- if I'm going to reshave it I'll need to do it tomorrow since after that I need it to grow back so I don't surprise the Edinburgh faculty when I arrive again. As Gerry said, don't rock the boat anytime soon. Speaking of which, it sure would be nice to know what I will be teaching...
A big thunderstorm at the end of the day, after night had fallen. A huge thunderclap shook the house just as we were getting the kids settled in bed-- it probably delayed sleep by 10 minutes or so-- Kenna did seem a bit worried about the thunder. Now the kids are out, I've put aside the dissertation for tomorrow, and there's still no wi-fi access. Tomorrow I'll go sync up my Gmail and send the email to Stefan. Tomorrow night Chelsea will be back to make a dinner for the 5 of us.
A quick note on the end of the day yesterday-- Marieke and Jared came by to join us for dinner, including making the dinner. Marieke made meatballs and steamed veggies, Jared made baked potatoes (with a little advice). The dinner was a huge hit-- the kids ate absolutely everything, and Marieke seemed very pleased with how quickly the meatballs disappeared. She promised to cook again next Friday. We stayed up after the kids went to sleep and drank wine and traded stories about high school. It really is vacation.
We've been making more Garage Band songs-- Taran's goal is to make seven by the end of the vacation so that he can have an entire album. Then, as he says, he'll be famous!
Sunday 20 June 2010
Rain and shine in CR 18-Jun
Adam's blog:
Lynn and Kenna stayed at the pool and house this morning while Jared took Taran and I back to Playa Hermosa. Although Taran and I had lots of fun, we clearly both need more pop-up and warrior stance practice. I rode a couple waves in, but I'm really struggling to get into a good stance quickly. Taran is still sitting with his butt higher than his head, and I fear I don't look that different.
Jared showed Taran sea snails, which fascinated him to no end-- he wanted to bring some back to the house, which prompted the "why we leave natural stuff in nature" conversation.
Adi made vegetarian burgers for the kids today (but don't tell them) along with chocolate shortbread drops-- as Lynn made shortbread as well, there is a surfeit of high-calorie sugary snacks that I find hard to resist. I think I'm already stronger since arriving, but amazingly I can't claim to be leaner... Adi also made rice and lentil stew for Lynn and I which was great-- somehow she also finds really good veggies for a small, veggie platter that the kids snack from as well.
Today the kids will get their first massages, so I'm sure they'll want to talk about that. Both kids continued to sleep well-- neither has been up a single time during the night that we know about. They are currently swimming in the pool with Marieke while Lynn gets a shorter (though not much shorter, really) massage from Julietta.
The dissertation progresses far more slowly than it should-- I remain reasonably relaxed but am wondering what will happen-- at BEST I will send a draft to Gerry on July 1. On one hand, I feel like it's a miracle I'm getting any work done at all, and on the other I feel like I should, as Mike Larsen suggested, be working on it 12 hours a day.
A few random thoughts about the house-- it is a great property and very well set-up, quite luxurious by our standards. The telephone, however, doesn't work, and the A/C in the master bedroom makes a lot of noise when it runs-- last night I insisted on turning it off and relying on the ceiling fan and the A/C unit in the living room. That was a lot quieter, though all the windows were fogged in the living room when we got up. No rain fell last night, and none so far today either-- so much for the rumors about the rainy season.
Addendum:
Chelsea made a family-friendly dinner-- bowtie pasta with broccoli and bacon in a cheese sauce. We tried to warn her that children, especially our children, were unpredictable when it came to food, especially when they are really tired, but she was still very surprised when the kids immediately said they wouldn't eat it. Kenna eventually ate some of the pasta but Taran simply went to bed hungry.
Lynn's blog:
I had a relaxing day, once yoga was over. Yes, yoga is supposed to be relaxing...but since every pose is painful in some way on my tight & sore muscles, it was less than relaxing, until it was over. Then I decided to stay home from the beach & surfing lessons today. I was just so tired. We have been very active since we arrived on Sunday. I asked Kenna if she wanted to hang out with me here & she was excited to have some Momma-Kenna time. I was too & had a wonderful morning playing with her in the pool & playing cards. We even baked shortbread cookies. I felt better, but still took an hour nap in the afternoon...waking up for my 1/2 hour massage to work some more of the tightness out of my shoulders and back. Such a tough life I lead.
I think a good night's sleep will get me ready for surfing tomorrow. Perhaps I will actually stand up again. ;p
Lynn and Kenna stayed at the pool and house this morning while Jared took Taran and I back to Playa Hermosa. Although Taran and I had lots of fun, we clearly both need more pop-up and warrior stance practice. I rode a couple waves in, but I'm really struggling to get into a good stance quickly. Taran is still sitting with his butt higher than his head, and I fear I don't look that different.
Jared showed Taran sea snails, which fascinated him to no end-- he wanted to bring some back to the house, which prompted the "why we leave natural stuff in nature" conversation.
Adi made vegetarian burgers for the kids today (but don't tell them) along with chocolate shortbread drops-- as Lynn made shortbread as well, there is a surfeit of high-calorie sugary snacks that I find hard to resist. I think I'm already stronger since arriving, but amazingly I can't claim to be leaner... Adi also made rice and lentil stew for Lynn and I which was great-- somehow she also finds really good veggies for a small, veggie platter that the kids snack from as well.
Today the kids will get their first massages, so I'm sure they'll want to talk about that. Both kids continued to sleep well-- neither has been up a single time during the night that we know about. They are currently swimming in the pool with Marieke while Lynn gets a shorter (though not much shorter, really) massage from Julietta.
The dissertation progresses far more slowly than it should-- I remain reasonably relaxed but am wondering what will happen-- at BEST I will send a draft to Gerry on July 1. On one hand, I feel like it's a miracle I'm getting any work done at all, and on the other I feel like I should, as Mike Larsen suggested, be working on it 12 hours a day.
A few random thoughts about the house-- it is a great property and very well set-up, quite luxurious by our standards. The telephone, however, doesn't work, and the A/C in the master bedroom makes a lot of noise when it runs-- last night I insisted on turning it off and relying on the ceiling fan and the A/C unit in the living room. That was a lot quieter, though all the windows were fogged in the living room when we got up. No rain fell last night, and none so far today either-- so much for the rumors about the rainy season.
Addendum:
Chelsea made a family-friendly dinner-- bowtie pasta with broccoli and bacon in a cheese sauce. We tried to warn her that children, especially our children, were unpredictable when it came to food, especially when they are really tired, but she was still very surprised when the kids immediately said they wouldn't eat it. Kenna eventually ate some of the pasta but Taran simply went to bed hungry.
Lynn's blog:
I had a relaxing day, once yoga was over. Yes, yoga is supposed to be relaxing...but since every pose is painful in some way on my tight & sore muscles, it was less than relaxing, until it was over. Then I decided to stay home from the beach & surfing lessons today. I was just so tired. We have been very active since we arrived on Sunday. I asked Kenna if she wanted to hang out with me here & she was excited to have some Momma-Kenna time. I was too & had a wonderful morning playing with her in the pool & playing cards. We even baked shortbread cookies. I felt better, but still took an hour nap in the afternoon...waking up for my 1/2 hour massage to work some more of the tightness out of my shoulders and back. Such a tough life I lead
I think a good night's sleep will get me ready for surfing tomorrow. Perhaps I will actually stand up again. ;p
Wednesday 16 June 2010
15-Jun 2010 - Life in CR
June 15th, 2010
Kenna's blog:
This is boring. I don't want to do it.
Taran's blog:
Today was a fun day. I caught some good waves and did a good job surfing. Also when I had the life vest on, I caught some really good waves. (DAdi: Were those surfing waves?) Bodysurfing. And big waves. Today I got to use the hammocks again and I had some fun playing "family" with Dad and Kenna.
Lynn's blog:
Today was my second attempt at surfing (since last year). I say "attempt" because I didn't actually surf, except for once on my knees. Yesterday we had to go out far to get away from the rocks, & I struggled with not being able to touch the ground while in the water. I don't know how to swim very well & dislike water on my face. Being in water over my head (without a ledge nearby) makes me nervous.
Today was actually worse. I was excited we went to a beach without a rock issue so we could get some waves without going too deep. Unfortunately, as Jared took us out in the water, we realized the waves were not really breaking properly for surfing, unless we went out far. Jared had me paddle out on the board (1st time I have done this & OMG was that a workout!). I looked at him after a couple minutes and asked "Are you walking on the ground or swimming?" He said he was swimming & I started to get nervous. As we got into the bigger waves, I became more nervous.
Jared set me up to surf a wave & let me go. I started to get up on my feet, but put the wrong foot forward, so I just stayed on one foot & one knee. Then I hit the wave sideways & got thrown off the board. I went under water & couldn't touch the ground. I freaked out! I swam up to the surface, used my tether to locate the board & screamed for help as I swam to the board. I reached the board before Jared could reach me & hung on. Jared could see I was panicked, but that I was ok.
We decided to head back to the shore with me on the board & Jared pushing. In the end, I got thrown off the board 2-3 more times by huge waves before we made it to shore. I was exhausted & trying to catch my breath. More than that, I was really discouraged. Last year I didn't go under once. But that was during the dry season & storms weren't causing such problems with beaches (exposed rock) & funky wave patterns.
Tomorrow we will go back to basics & start me out on really small waves so I can get used to the process again, &, more importantly, get my confidence for surfing back. I am trying to be excited about it.
On a fun note, I got to help Adam shave his head today. ;-)
We had a great quote from Kenna today. As she & Adam swung in the hammock on the patio, Kenna said: "There's a lizard in the hammock."
Adam said: "Yes there is."
Kenna: "It's cute."
Adam: "What do you think his name is? Maybe he is called Larry the lizard."
Kenna: "No. His name is Foo-Foo."
Adam's blog:
A slightly different day. The children slept in past 6am, and both stayed quiet in the morning-- they are adjusting to a different lifestyle. So humid we have to leave the doors closed.
Francesca has gone home-- her grandfather passed away last night. No yoga-- relaxing but not stimulating or energizing. Too much food in the fridge! Leftovers, groceries, travel remainders.
Surfing at Playa Hermosa, which is a broad, wide beach with less mountain runoff, so the beach is sandy and smooth. But Jared took Lynn and Taran too far out-- he'll start over today (Weds) I think with them. I struggled as well, having trouble planting my feet wide enough apart. Lots of cross waves and a deep area that I got caught in over and over again, tiring myself out just staying in one place. I barely rode a couple waves. Some pollutant making the churn slightly yellow-- sad to see how dirty the world can be.
Shaved my head after lunch-- something I've meant to do for a long time-- partly since Amy met Dan Newman, partly since I began really losing my hair. I think I like it-- it is clean and honest. Probably a bit of a surprise for the Uni team, so I think I'll let it grow back for now, and perhaps next summer make the change permanent if I really like it. Taran wants his head shaved too. Kenna does not, because then "people will think I'm a boy."
Marieke and Jared entertained the kids-- or possibly vice versa. A simple easy dinner for the kids-- leftovers, mostly, after lots of swimming in the pool. Kenna is comfortable doggie paddling with the life vest on now. Taran is returning to fish mode-- as at Otro Lado last year. He really is born to the water, for whatever reason. He would play in the ocean surf all day if he could. Perhaps we should plan for that as well.
No work done for me-- the shaving took over an hour, even with Lynn's help at the end. Another great dinner from Chelsea-- curry, rice, red snapper grilled and mango chutney on top.
A very quiet morning-- both kids playing Leapster, Lynn sleeping in a bit. I am having a little trouble sleeping with the loud A/C in our room-- it seems to bother Lynn a little, but less. Hoping for a yoga instructor-- if the new instructor doesn't show I'll have to do some practice myself.
For the first time in my life, I think, I see the real power of money. And yet I don't feel the strength of the urge to earn more to make this possible more often-- not sure why not.
I'm not sure how the children see this time-- they seem calm and accepting. I suppose there is a stability to it that they've not had for more than a few weeks past. And we are here, with them, all day every day. They have so few toys and books here, and yet they haven't once asked for toys that are gone (sold, stored, donated). They can live simply, without a doubt. It is we adults who create the complexity.
Kenna's blog:
This is boring. I don't want to do it.
Taran's blog:
Today was a fun day. I caught some good waves and did a good job surfing. Also when I had the life vest on, I caught some really good waves. (DAdi: Were those surfing waves?) Bodysurfing. And big waves. Today I got to use the hammocks again and I had some fun playing "family" with Dad and Kenna.
Lynn's blog:
Today was my second attempt at surfing (since last year). I say "attempt" because I didn't actually surf, except for once on my knees. Yesterday we had to go out far to get away from the rocks, & I struggled with not being able to touch the ground while in the water. I don't know how to swim very well & dislike water on my face. Being in water over my head (without a ledge nearby) makes me nervous.
Today was actually worse. I was excited we went to a beach without a rock issue so we could get some waves without going too deep. Unfortunately, as Jared took us out in the water, we realized the waves were not really breaking properly for surfing, unless we went out far. Jared had me paddle out on the board (1st time I have done this & OMG was that a workout!). I looked at him after a couple minutes and asked "Are you walking on the ground or swimming?" He said he was swimming & I started to get nervous. As we got into the bigger waves, I became more nervous.
Jared set me up to surf a wave & let me go. I started to get up on my feet, but put the wrong foot forward, so I just stayed on one foot & one knee. Then I hit the wave sideways & got thrown off the board. I went under water & couldn't touch the ground. I freaked out! I swam up to the surface, used my tether to locate the board & screamed for help as I swam to the board. I reached the board before Jared could reach me & hung on. Jared could see I was panicked, but that I was ok.
We decided to head back to the shore with me on the board & Jared pushing. In the end, I got thrown off the board 2-3 more times by huge waves before we made it to shore. I was exhausted & trying to catch my breath. More than that, I was really discouraged. Last year I didn't go under once. But that was during the dry season & storms weren't causing such problems with beaches (exposed rock) & funky wave patterns.
Tomorrow we will go back to basics & start me out on really small waves so I can get used to the process again, &, more importantly, get my confidence for surfing back. I am trying to be excited about it.
On a fun note, I got to help Adam shave his head today. ;-)
We had a great quote from Kenna today. As she & Adam swung in the hammock on the patio, Kenna said: "There's a lizard in the hammock."
Adam said: "Yes there is."
Kenna: "It's cute."
Adam: "What do you think his name is? Maybe he is called Larry the lizard."
Kenna: "No. His name is Foo-Foo."
Adam's blog:
A slightly different day. The children slept in past 6am, and both stayed quiet in the morning-- they are adjusting to a different lifestyle. So humid we have to leave the doors closed.
Francesca has gone home-- her grandfather passed away last night. No yoga-- relaxing but not stimulating or energizing. Too much food in the fridge! Leftovers, groceries, travel remainders.
Surfing at Playa Hermosa, which is a broad, wide beach with less mountain runoff, so the beach is sandy and smooth. But Jared took Lynn and Taran too far out-- he'll start over today (Weds) I think with them. I struggled as well, having trouble planting my feet wide enough apart. Lots of cross waves and a deep area that I got caught in over and over again, tiring myself out just staying in one place. I barely rode a couple waves. Some pollutant making the churn slightly yellow-- sad to see how dirty the world can be.
Shaved my head after lunch-- something I've meant to do for a long time-- partly since Amy met Dan Newman, partly since I began really losing my hair. I think I like it-- it is clean and honest. Probably a bit of a surprise for the Uni team, so I think I'll let it grow back for now, and perhaps next summer make the change permanent if I really like it. Taran wants his head shaved too. Kenna does not, because then "people will think I'm a boy."
Marieke and Jared entertained the kids-- or possibly vice versa. A simple easy dinner for the kids-- leftovers, mostly, after lots of swimming in the pool. Kenna is comfortable doggie paddling with the life vest on now. Taran is returning to fish mode-- as at Otro Lado last year. He really is born to the water, for whatever reason. He would play in the ocean surf all day if he could. Perhaps we should plan for that as well.
No work done for me-- the shaving took over an hour, even with Lynn's help at the end. Another great dinner from Chelsea-- curry, rice, red snapper grilled and mango chutney on top.
A very quiet morning-- both kids playing Leapster, Lynn sleeping in a bit. I am having a little trouble sleeping with the loud A/C in our room-- it seems to bother Lynn a little, but less. Hoping for a yoga instructor-- if the new instructor doesn't show I'll have to do some practice myself.
For the first time in my life, I think, I see the real power of money. And yet I don't feel the strength of the urge to earn more to make this possible more often-- not sure why not.
I'm not sure how the children see this time-- they seem calm and accepting. I suppose there is a stability to it that they've not had for more than a few weeks past. And we are here, with them, all day every day. They have so few toys and books here, and yet they haven't once asked for toys that are gone (sold, stored, donated). They can live simply, without a doubt. It is we adults who create the complexity.
14-Jun-2010 1st full day in Santa Teresa
June 14th, 2010
Kenna's blog
I liked the beach. And I liked the waves and bouncies and wigglies. It was a very nice day. I got to do yoga and have dinner with bananas and I like the day. The end.
Adam's blog
Today was great. We made our own breakfast-- eggs and toast and bananas and carrots. Before that we did yoga with Francesca. She was very nice and did not make us work too hard, because it has been a long time since any of us did yoga. Kenna and Taran did very well-- Taran did all of the yoga, and Kenna did most of the yoga and then she went inside to have a little time in her room while we finished our practice.
After breakfast we finally started surfing again. It was exciting-- maybe a little too exciting. The surge was a little high, and even though it was low tide, the waves were pretty strong. There was also a lot of storm runoff, which meant that many rocks at the edge of the shore had been exposed. Taran went first, and stood up for a wave, but mostly was playing and swimming until he wiped out and got water up his nose. Then he needed a break. Lynn went next, but the waves were a little strong, and she hurt her foot on one of the rocks, so she only tried to stand up a couple times before she and Jared drifted too far North away from our starting point. Adam went last and benefitted from knowing where the rocks were. He and Jared started much further South, and were able to walk out along the sand bar. Adam caught a couple waves and rode them in to shore before getting tired. But on the way in to shore he was caught by a set of waves and the fin of the board clipped the back of his neck, and he has a welt that will take a few days to heal. But otherwise he is okay.
Everyone had lots of fun playing in the sand-- Adam and Kenna and Taran made sandcastles and then played bouncies & wigglies and also played racing the waves. Kenna did a great job being brave and racing the waves-- she helped count big waves and learned to accept getting her face wet. Taran was a seal-- constantly in the water and getting knocked down and swimming and bodysurfing and having lots and lots of fun. He said, "I was born to be a bodysurfer." Jared and Lynn had a great discussion about food. We had planned to be on the beach for almost 3 hours but 2 hours was plenty this time. We are all excited to do more surfing tomorrow-- even Kenna will try standing on the surfboard on the sand!
Our lunch chef, Adi, made us a great meal. There were fish patties, lots of fresh vegetables, and an amazing chocolate cake. The kids ate and ate and ate.
We had a very relaxing and slow afternoon. Adam worked on his dissertation-- specifically trying to clean up the literature review. The children had some siesta time in their own rooms, and then Marieke and Lynn helped the children do their build-a-bears: Taran made a surf monkey and Kenna made a soccer puppy. Just as Adam emerged to join the fun and take the kids to the pool, the rains started. And when it rains here in the rainy season, Mother Nature doesn't kid around. Thunder crashed and the heavens opened and the rain came down in sheets. Lynn said we couldn't go swimming, so we played lots of card games. We taught Marieke how to play gin rummy, and then Adam and the kids played War.
It's now almost dinner time. I think the children are quite tired and will have no trouble going to bed at 7pm. (Taran says, "I'm not tired.") Lynn and I are really looking forward to dinner-- our dinner chef Chelsea made us an amazing gourmet dinner last night. There was a beetroot and fresh greens salad with a fantastic garlic and onion balsamic vinegraite, followed by angel hair pasta with shrimp in a cream sauce with fresh diced tomatoes and basil. Dessert was cheesecake with a passion fruit topping! We are really being spoiled.
I'm sure tomorrow will be another wonderful day here in paradise.
Taran's blog:
I liked surfing with Jared, playing card games and doing bouncy-wigglies. Those things were really fun. I liked doing the build-a-bear and I made a surfing monkey. Right before dinner, me and Mom snuggled together, talking about the things I wanted to know.
Kenna's blog
I liked the beach. And I liked the waves and bouncies and wigglies. It was a very nice day. I got to do yoga and have dinner with bananas and I like the day. The end.
Adam's blog
Today was great. We made our own breakfast-- eggs and toast and bananas and carrots. Before that we did yoga with Francesca. She was very nice and did not make us work too hard, because it has been a long time since any of us did yoga. Kenna and Taran did very well-- Taran did all of the yoga, and Kenna did most of the yoga and then she went inside to have a little time in her room while we finished our practice.
After breakfast we finally started surfing again. It was exciting-- maybe a little too exciting. The surge was a little high, and even though it was low tide, the waves were pretty strong. There was also a lot of storm runoff, which meant that many rocks at the edge of the shore had been exposed. Taran went first, and stood up for a wave, but mostly was playing and swimming until he wiped out and got water up his nose. Then he needed a break. Lynn went next, but the waves were a little strong, and she hurt her foot on one of the rocks, so she only tried to stand up a couple times before she and Jared drifted too far North away from our starting point. Adam went last and benefitted from knowing where the rocks were. He and Jared started much further South, and were able to walk out along the sand bar. Adam caught a couple waves and rode them in to shore before getting tired. But on the way in to shore he was caught by a set of waves and the fin of the board clipped the back of his neck, and he has a welt that will take a few days to heal. But otherwise he is okay.
Everyone had lots of fun playing in the sand-- Adam and Kenna and Taran made sandcastles and then played bouncies & wigglies and also played racing the waves. Kenna did a great job being brave and racing the waves-- she helped count big waves and learned to accept getting her face wet. Taran was a seal-- constantly in the water and getting knocked down and swimming and bodysurfing and having lots and lots of fun. He said, "I was born to be a bodysurfer." Jared and Lynn had a great discussion about food. We had planned to be on the beach for almost 3 hours but 2 hours was plenty this time. We are all excited to do more surfing tomorrow-- even Kenna will try standing on the surfboard on the sand!
Our lunch chef, Adi, made us a great meal. There were fish patties, lots of fresh vegetables, and an amazing chocolate cake. The kids ate and ate and ate.
We had a very relaxing and slow afternoon. Adam worked on his dissertation-- specifically trying to clean up the literature review. The children had some siesta time in their own rooms, and then Marieke and Lynn helped the children do their build-a-bears: Taran made a surf monkey and Kenna made a soccer puppy. Just as Adam emerged to join the fun and take the kids to the pool, the rains started. And when it rains here in the rainy season, Mother Nature doesn't kid around. Thunder crashed and the heavens opened and the rain came down in sheets. Lynn said we couldn't go swimming, so we played lots of card games. We taught Marieke how to play gin rummy, and then Adam and the kids played War.
It's now almost dinner time. I think the children are quite tired and will have no trouble going to bed at 7pm. (Taran says, "I'm not tired.") Lynn and I are really looking forward to dinner-- our dinner chef Chelsea made us an amazing gourmet dinner last night. There was a beetroot and fresh greens salad with a fantastic garlic and onion balsamic vinegraite, followed by angel hair pasta with shrimp in a cream sauce with fresh diced tomatoes and basil. Dessert was cheesecake with a passion fruit topping! We are really being spoiled.
I'm sure tomorrow will be another wonderful day here in paradise.
Taran's blog:
I liked surfing with Jared, playing card games and doing bouncy-wigglies. Those things were really fun. I liked doing the build-a-bear and I made a surfing monkey. Right before dinner, me and Mom snuggled together, talking about the things I wanted to know.
Saturday 12 June 2010
Haikus from last year
Last year I used illumitas to post surf haikus to my facebook page. The application is now dead, so I transfer those very minor works here to unclutter my facebook profile and ensure availability, and hopefully establish a foundation for more writing over time...
1 Thanks Jared
float in the surge
when it picks you up stand up
paddle, paddle, go
2 Up
there is a moment
linked to the board to the wave
stretching forever
3 On
standing on the sea
eerie silence, speed-blur, salt
stasis and motion
4 In
one hand in the sky
one hand trails in the water
how long can i ride?
5 Out
lines of white foamed blue
no strength. fins up in the sand
blissful, my board waits
1 Thanks Jared
float in the surge
when it picks you up stand up
paddle, paddle, go
2 Up
there is a moment
linked to the board to the wave
stretching forever
3 On
standing on the sea
eerie silence, speed-blur, salt
stasis and motion
4 In
one hand in the sky
one hand trails in the water
how long can i ride?
5 Out
lines of white foamed blue
no strength. fins up in the sand
blissful, my board waits
On holiday...
Mostly :)
We are in Costa Rica. Sun (and rain), surfing, relaxation... oh, yes, and finishing up that pesky dissertation.
The house is sold-- we are arguably homeless, but living in luxury starting tomorrow. A brief layover in San Jose tonight, then on to the Nicoya Peninsula and pura vida.
We are in Costa Rica. Sun (and rain), surfing, relaxation... oh, yes, and finishing up that pesky dissertation.
The house is sold-- we are arguably homeless, but living in luxury starting tomorrow. A brief layover in San Jose tonight, then on to the Nicoya Peninsula and pura vida.
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