Ireland-like Scenery

Dear Friends, Here we are on another beautiful Sunday with an opportunity to embrace the day, breathing deeply and moving our bodies with gratitude. As I woke this morning, the boisterous singing of birds reminded me that "spring" is coming. The birds are busy looking for good spots in which to build shelter and choosing my …

Hidden Gems in San Jose, CR

Dear Friends, The day began quietly. The stillness in the air was comforting. I paid close attention to the familiar wrens when I glanced through the window at the brown grass surrounding our home. It is almost mid-March. The dry season typically means there is an increase in tourist traffic and that has definitely been the …

Tracing the Roots

Dear Friends, It's a breezy morning where I am. The clear skies are a gorgeous canvas for the cumulus clouds I learned to draw in school. Their rounded puffiness contrasted the colors of the small birds that flew around as my ears picked up short chirps here and there when Lila and I took our walk. …

Planting Abundance

Dear friends, Greetings on a gorgeous Sunday morning.  I got out there early, stretching and moving my body with my "pal", Lila. I will spend a lovely day helping with the Bingo activity scheduled at the  Hogar de Ancianos, seeing old friends and making new ones. Since I won't be playing, there is no chance I …

An Unexpected Gift

Dear Friends, The seasonal winds are stronger than I remember. The sudden gusts fling objects in every direction for a few seconds, and then there's an equally sudden lull in the action. Lila and I perambulated cautiously. In her case it was because she found something unexpected to inspect. For me, it was to prevent …

Super Bowl Sunday

Dear Friends, After a busy day and a late cup of coffee yesterday, it was difficult for me to drift off to sleep as quickly as usual last night. I rose a little later than normal but with the same gratitude as I welcomed the sounds and aromas of nature outside the window. The strong …

The Afternoon Coffee Break

Dear Friends, As I begin to draft my communication today, I am grateful for the chance to engage with you each week. Your feedback indulges my sense of purpose in continuing this regular endeavor that I began in 2008! I have shared many important milestones from my life that have encouraged reflection and replies from a …

Exploring Unchartered Territory

Dear Friends, The season's breezes greeted Lila and me this morning as we crunched the dry leaves beneath our feet. My eyes perceived the brown patches in the distance, the bare limbs of the trees near and far, and the green grass our neighbors have because they water it steadily during the year. I am …

Atenas and the Hospitality Industry

Dear Friends, Here we are once more on a peaceful Sunday morning that encourages us to rejuvenate and relax. Nature's colors in the distant overlapping mountain range gave me a perfect excuse to pause and take in the beauty during our walk. While I was admiring the view, Lila was busy moving grass around and …

A Lovely Surprise

Dear Friends, I am safely ensconced from the lately-frequent gusts of wind that hurl loose objects, dead leaves and debris across the property. It is still a lovely, sunny day. When the air is calm, the birds' cheerful chirps reach my ears. I turn my gaze in their direction and I am rewarded with the bursts of …