new semester

In November I went to help care for my mother. I returned to Monteverde for the final two weeks of the semester and went back to Maryland. Mom became weaker and weaker. She appreciated the hugs, massages, having her hair shampooed, and the delicious soup given by her neighbors. The pain medicine was effective and when I asked if she hurt anywhere, she usually replied,¨"No, Betsy, I don´t have any pain."
She died before dawn, 4 January.

I flew back to Costa Rica, el 9 enero. I recommend the Liberia airport because it is simple and because it is near the west coast. I also recommend Cabinas Coco Azul at Playas del Coco because Ray is a welcoming proprietor and the rooms are a short walk to the beach. I walked on the shore and swam in the surf. Then, I rode the four hour trip up to Monteverde.

I did not get the chance to gather materials for the subjects I am teaching during the spring semester. So, I am working long hours to prepare lessons and organize my student study groups. It is nice to be back. The monkeys are in the trees and flowers are blooming everywhere.

Friday, after a challenging week back at school, I walked home to make the best pizza and open a bottle of 2003 Bordeaux. While I cut vegetables and made the dough, I listened to At World´s End (No, I haven´t yet seen this Pirates of the Carribean movie.) Then, as I sat with a lit candle and feasted on the perfect pizza, I listened to Pinchas Zukerman playing violin concertos by Bruch, Lalo, and Vieuxtemps.

This morning I walked in the sunshine to Santa Elena for groceries and make phone calls to my sons in Germany and Ukraine. My laundry dried in two hours on the outside clothesline.

Now, I am going to the meeting house for English country dancing.