Blog Title Explanation
My guess is that some of you have, or have in the past, been inflicted with the felt need (maybe your duty as a citizen) to stay top of all things political. I was infected with this malady for years.

During my morning walks, I would listen to multiple news shows, getting more depressed with each step. On “good” mornings I would become skeptical, disheartened, and ornery. On “bad” mornings…(you get the gist).

So out of desperation, I decided to drop the drama and build up the beautiful…leaning on classical Classics and throwing in other fun tunes. For example, this morning, I listened to some Bocelli, a little Bach, a touch of Vivaldi, and then threw in Bonnie Raitt, Bad Bunny, Sting, and ending with the Spinners belting out their classic, “Rubber Band Man.” It is hard not to be pumped after juicy fruit that sweet!

Listen here and see how you feel.

Old Friends
We had old friends dating back to our volunteer days come visit us, and we had a great time enjoying the family! The weather cooperated, and they got a taste of the country, but most importantly we had the chance to reconnect. One trip we took together was to the Recate Wildlife Refuge that has a huge critter assortment.



Anniversary Time
We have been here already a year! For us, it has been a great move. Here are just a few of the things we like:

Gorgeous scenery all over the place.



Most people are very nice and very helpful.

Wonderful food. For example, great beans, eggs, bananas, and much more. Lots of excellent pizza here. Jan has mastered pizza delivery and has a telephone relationship with three pizzerias.

Cool critters most places you look.



Shifting Seasons
Costa Rica has two seasons, the Rainy Season and the Non-Rainy Season (well, technically it is the Dry Season). The Rainy Season is nice: less traffic, a little less expensive, and you can watch vegetation grow several feet in one day (well it seems that way). However, we are ready for a change, the Rainy Season officially ends November 30. We are already seeing creatures return that we have not seen for weeks or months.

Here is a male and female scarlet tanager.





Here are some handsome butterflies.



Here is one of my favorite butterflies, the malachite butterfly.



And here is a butterfly threesome: dirce beauties on each end with Blomfiild’s beauty in the middle!



The changing season has had a major impact on our backyard feeding stations. We are seeing old friends returning after several months and newbies now and then. A pair of motmots have taken over ownership and are awaiting Jan’s feeding long before sunrise. They eat fruit from her hands and from me now and then.



It’s a great time to be in Costa Rica!