Adios Eric & Jeanna - For Now

I have known Eric and Jeanna since they moved here from Uvita, about 2 hours down the coast - I think that was back in 2008???  In the time they lived here in EO, Eric built two amazing houses.  They lived in both and now.....both are for sale.  They are returning to upstate New York.  They have family there and projects to do.

Altho I don't surf everyday - infact weeks go by... for years, Eric was a constant.  Even when no one else would be out......there he would be way out on the reef - a place he knows like the back of his hand.  Every single time I made the long paddle out - Eric would be the first to greet me with that huge smile of his.  If I had a question - he would gladly give me an answer.  When there was time to talk on the beach, he was easy to hang with.

In all these years, I never had them over to my house.  I went to several Halloween parties at his first house, made a trip with just him and Jeanna to take Christmas gifts to the orphanage in San Jose at least 4 years ago - an unforgettable experience.  I have sat in the ocean with Eric more hours than I can re-call.  We never had a long in-depth conversation but as I am now writing this I realize what a great friend he was.....and I will miss him!!  

Eric & Jeanna - I hope you know I wish you all the best.  May this new chapter in your life bring you joy and happiness and adventures never dreamed of.  I know I will see you again as EO is burned in your soul - like so many of us.  Till we meet again.........

Pura Vida

Sunday night Farewell...

Eric back in 2008 - Still looks the same :)

There's A New Man In Town

For as long as I have lived here and way before that.. was and still is a small herd of cattle that live on the open land across the street from where I live.  The herd consists of one bull, at least a dozen cows and a variety of younger ones that range from very young to 1 or 2 years old.  

The interesting part is how friendly they are.  I know for certain there are at least 2 females that love to be petted.  I have stood next to fence scratching the ears of one in particular.  She is darker in color, maybe because she is older - I have no idea - but she is kind and she knows me.

There are many families here that go way back, with a number of adults that were actually born right here in Esterillos Oeste.  The patriarch of the family that owns this herd of cattle is Carmen Leon.  I have no idea how old he is....but he looks very weathered.  I see him about once a week walking the fence line checking on his herd.  He always wears a cowboy hat, clean pressed shirt and slacks.  He gives me a huge smile when I go by.

For a number of years there has been one huge white bull....until recently.  I have no idea what happened to the big guy, but there is now a new man in town.

About a week ago I saw him for the first time - he is black and beautiful!  The herd was close to the fence so I stopped the check him out.  He gave me the eye, but wasn't concerned I was so close.  What I could see is how interested he was in the girls.  He will literally checking them out, actually smelling them.  This went on for about 10 minutes and then he settled in right up against one. He was very much in her personal space, as if claiming her...she didn't seem to notice - possibly playing hard to get :)

I love this little family of cattle that I have come to know pretty well thru the years.  Just one more reason why Esterillos is so special - my home.

Pura Vida

La Sirena - Part 2 - After

When the foundation project began I was house sitting up on Canada Hill.  The morning after the frames had been placed and concrete poured, high tide was about 8 am so I came down about 9ish to see what was going on.  When I got to the beach - the first thing I saw was splintered boards ON the beach.  The water was still high but it looked to me like most of the concrete had stuck...but not all of it.  I had a moment of panic.....

I left to find Brett - Not sure how I missed him but by the time I got back, there he was standing next to La Sirena with guys swimming in the water.  I was so upset, I headed back up the hill to have a very large cup of coffee with a lot of Bailey's.

Several hours later, I headed back down.  All the guys were working away, new frames had been set up and there was Flaco doing his magic - working the fresh concrete, brushing the top so there would be texture when it dried.  No one was upset, they were just getting it done.

The weekend came and work stopped - too many people who want to see her.  Several more days of work - then another weekend.  Now - all 4 sides are complete - the front needs a touch up, hopefully that will happen before this weekend.  Dieter has been doing a kitchen re-model in his own house and has not been out for a month now.  Hopefully......this Saturday.

Little by little, we are getting there - however- the foundation was a biggie!  Still have to clean her up and find a way to fix the arm. There is a chance Abilio will be here soon.  I have a number of things to discuss with him.....

Back on Jan 1st - the very day Abilio asked me and Elizabeth if we would help fix her.......had I any idea I would still be dealing with this 10 1/2 months later......not sure I would have taken it on.  But I did and I will follow thru.  However......heads up - I am returning to California the end of November for.....3 months.  The good news is.....she is not going anywhere, the damage will not get worse, with what has already been done.....La Sirena will be around for a very long time.

Pura Vida