OK, so I admit it! I am somewhat of a weather geek!
I have a weather station that measures, temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind speed and direction and rainfall.
I get a thrill knowing how much moisture fell from the sky, or just how hot it really is outside. And I like sharing - it is connected to WeatherUnderground
https://www.wunderground.com/personal-weather-station/dashboard?ID=IOSA7
If you are interesting in weather in Ojochal!
Yesterday I was walking by the weather station and noticed wasps all around it. EEWW!
Sprayed some water that a few came out and buzzed around. Took the unit down and noticed them crawling in and out of any hole that there was - - major blast with the hose - after about a minute, over 100 of them came out. I set the unit aside while the water drained and I fought off the wasps with Baygon!
Finally wasp-free the weather station went back, but now it wasn't transmitting - can't track anything if it doesn't talk - - shake it, reset it, reset the receiver, wait, wait, wait, nothing.
Open up the unit - surprisingly simple inside - and wet - dry it off, and put it back together and back outside. Still not connection. After 6 hours, I order a new unit on Amazon. 10 days and I can geek out again!
At 4 pm today, went online to the Weather Underground to tell my hoards of followers (6) that the unit was toast. Hmmm. That is interesting - the site says the info was updated 15 seconds ago. reset the display receiver and voila - data! Damn and I have a new unit on the way.
Fortunately Amazon hadn't shipped so cancelled the order
I am back in business and bug free
Guess it just needed 24 hours to dry out in the tropical sun.
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Barging In!
Sitting here watching the dark clouds gather over the mountains and hoping that is might rain to ease the heat I am struck by how intrusive nature can be.
The heat and intense sun just barges in and set the tone for the day (not too much physical movement and the ceiling fans on high).
At this time of the year, sun, heat and dusty roads are an expectation. It is the unexpected that does shock and sometimes delight.
As for the shock:
#1 - coral snake came to visit - move slowly across the screen door at the front of the house, inspected the window, and left back into the grass - presumably it lives on the front slope under the ground cover.
The heat and intense sun just barges in and set the tone for the day (not too much physical movement and the ceiling fans on high).
At this time of the year, sun, heat and dusty roads are an expectation. It is the unexpected that does shock and sometimes delight.
As for the shock:
#1 - coral snake came to visit - move slowly across the screen door at the front of the house, inspected the window, and left back into the grass - presumably it lives on the front slope under the ground cover.
#2 - Scorpion family - since the soil is not very good, much of the herb and vegetable gardening is done in containers - it let's us have them around the patio and allows us to move them as the sun and rain dictates - so the pots and soil and utensils have been relegated to a spot under the outdoor stair, and had become untidy and bothersome - so we bought two storage bins and I set to clearing all this up - come to learn that a pot with some dirt in it and something on top (like another pot) is the perfect home for scorpions - 1, 2 and then 3 - the first two were just normal things - but not #3 - a mommy with about a 100 babies on her back.
Finally got her out of the pot and into the ground cover on the slope, but she left some babies behind - wonder if the first two were relatives?
#3 - a little delight - came down this morning to a pool visitor - the little grasshopper fellow was taking a float - pulled him out and set him on a plant (more his domain!)
#4 - and finally - CICADAS! - Is there anything more ugly or annoying!? They attach themselves to the wall or a tree and BUZZ - continuously - then they fly and bang into things, land on their back and stay there looking dead - in the morning you go to sweep them up and they fly and buzz some more!!! YUK!
Monday, January 22, 2018
Muchos Bananos!
After the bunch of bananas got chewed up by the pizote a few weeks back, I was watching the next bunch closely.
Our machete was really dull, so two weeks ago the gardeners took it away to sharpen it - of course, as soon as they left it was apparent that the bananas need to be cut. Two weeks later - asked them to cut the now over due bunch, as well as the next bunch that is pretty much ready.
These have been chewed by something(s) - pizotes and birds - we will hack through a salvage what we can.
These are maybe a week early, but better this way than letting the wildlife at them.
So Lisle says this morning - I don't really like bananas - they are great for baking but not eating! The one thing we can get to grow and fruit! Sometimes no pleasing him!
Anyway - FYI - bananas aren't trees - vascular plants that fruit once and need to be cut down - each plant starts 'babies' before it fruits, so always more to come.
Our machete was really dull, so two weeks ago the gardeners took it away to sharpen it - of course, as soon as they left it was apparent that the bananas need to be cut. Two weeks later - asked them to cut the now over due bunch, as well as the next bunch that is pretty much ready.
These have been chewed by something(s) - pizotes and birds - we will hack through a salvage what we can.
These are maybe a week early, but better this way than letting the wildlife at them.
So Lisle says this morning - I don't really like bananas - they are great for baking but not eating! The one thing we can get to grow and fruit! Sometimes no pleasing him!
Anyway - FYI - bananas aren't trees - vascular plants that fruit once and need to be cut down - each plant starts 'babies' before it fruits, so always more to come.
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Feeling Bugged!
The last while, there seems to be more 'bugs' about.
We were at a local restaurant last evening and the owner clobbered a tarantula and carried it off the the garbage in the dustpan. We had a similar creature in our living room 3 or 4 weeks ago. I hit it with a pillow - it went defensive and curled up - I grabbed it with tongs and threw it off into the garden (the tarantulas here bite but are not deadly).
There seems to be a proliferation of caterpillars (nasty reaction if you touch them) - dragonflies (graceful and fascinating), butterflies (one landed on my leg yesterday while I was reading and just walked about for 5 or so minutes) - and the ever present black sticky bees (they don't sting but they insist on buzzing in your face and get stuck in your arm hair). Not to mention the scorpion that likes to hide in the loops of the garden hose.
Then this morning a miniature walking stick climbed across my keyboard and up the computer screen. Then there was this.
I thought it was a piece of gravel until it moved. Several legs - what appears to be a snout, and a little white thing on the other end that could be a tail. Google images has no idea what it is (it said it was a leaf - a type of vegetation found on trees). Getting a closer look, it seems the real thing is under all that stuff - almost transparent with a little ' nose' - the stuff is like a house - sort of like a hermit crab!
Another amazing creature.
We were at a local restaurant last evening and the owner clobbered a tarantula and carried it off the the garbage in the dustpan. We had a similar creature in our living room 3 or 4 weeks ago. I hit it with a pillow - it went defensive and curled up - I grabbed it with tongs and threw it off into the garden (the tarantulas here bite but are not deadly).
There seems to be a proliferation of caterpillars (nasty reaction if you touch them) - dragonflies (graceful and fascinating), butterflies (one landed on my leg yesterday while I was reading and just walked about for 5 or so minutes) - and the ever present black sticky bees (they don't sting but they insist on buzzing in your face and get stuck in your arm hair). Not to mention the scorpion that likes to hide in the loops of the garden hose.
Then this morning a miniature walking stick climbed across my keyboard and up the computer screen. Then there was this.
Another amazing creature.
Monday, January 8, 2018
Forces of Nature
It never ceases to amaze me - the force of nature.
The power of water, the searing intensity of the sun, the force of the wind, the ability of the jungle to overrun a space in a matter of months. Nature is determined to have its way.
That was made tangible in the past couple weeks in a small way.
Birds have decided to nest atop the sun drapes at the gazebo.
These flycatchers spend all day flying back and forth gathering stuff and putting it on top of the drapes (which are bunched up and next to the post which provides the perfect support and protection). This started about two weeks ago. They are very industrious and active - but they are very noisy and very messy (big purple blobs of poo!). So, NO! No nest right where we enter the gazebo.
We pulled down the various bits of grass and palm and coconut husk. Within hours they had replaced much of what disappeared - and they were very vocal about it. Took it down again and opened the drapes so the base would not be stable and the movement of the drapes in the wind might keep them away. That stopped the building, but didn't stop them from arriving with materials and screeching their displeasure!
After a couple days they seemed to have relented, so closed the drapes and assumed all was well.
Two days later - an almost full nest in exactly the same spot.
We have repeated the same process, but they don't seem to be giving up, so this morning I unclipped the end of the drape and moved it all to the other side (which has the same condition of drapes and post but that they don't seem to have any interest in). Clearly the persistence of nature is modifying my behaviour. We will see if we can modify theirs.
Another form of the persistence of nature - the sun sets every night - sometimes it is beautiful, like this.
The power of water, the searing intensity of the sun, the force of the wind, the ability of the jungle to overrun a space in a matter of months. Nature is determined to have its way.
That was made tangible in the past couple weeks in a small way.
Birds have decided to nest atop the sun drapes at the gazebo.
These flycatchers spend all day flying back and forth gathering stuff and putting it on top of the drapes (which are bunched up and next to the post which provides the perfect support and protection). This started about two weeks ago. They are very industrious and active - but they are very noisy and very messy (big purple blobs of poo!). So, NO! No nest right where we enter the gazebo.
We pulled down the various bits of grass and palm and coconut husk. Within hours they had replaced much of what disappeared - and they were very vocal about it. Took it down again and opened the drapes so the base would not be stable and the movement of the drapes in the wind might keep them away. That stopped the building, but didn't stop them from arriving with materials and screeching their displeasure!
After a couple days they seemed to have relented, so closed the drapes and assumed all was well.
Two days later - an almost full nest in exactly the same spot.
We have repeated the same process, but they don't seem to be giving up, so this morning I unclipped the end of the drape and moved it all to the other side (which has the same condition of drapes and post but that they don't seem to have any interest in). Clearly the persistence of nature is modifying my behaviour. We will see if we can modify theirs.
Another form of the persistence of nature - the sun sets every night - sometimes it is beautiful, like this.
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
Back to it - Bananas and All
So I have been remiss in blogging - seems Facebook became an easier option, but I think I will try my hand back here and see how it goes.
We have a group of banana plants out back - 6 or so. We have had fruit from them before, but at the moment, 3 of them are actively fruiting - one in particular is ready for cutting.
New Year's Eve I noticed the top bunch was turning yellow - I said to Lisle, we need to cut that one before the birds get them.
New Year's Day came and went - no, we weren't hungover - just occupied with other stuff - window washing etc.
This afternoon, the howler monkey started up about 1:00 pm. It is an odd time for him to howl and he was very close, so I went to look out back.
Something was in the banana plant having a feast - thought it might have been a howler - turned out to be a Pizote. The howler was probably screeching for him to get away from the feast.
About 1/3 of the bunch chewed on.
So we went out with the Machete and hacked at the tree. The plan was I chopped and Lisle eased the tree to the ground - well not quite. I chopped - Lisle said it's coming down and pushed it away from him and it crashed to the ground - bunch of bananas first. The ripe and half chewed ones sprayed everywhere. Managed to save about 1/3 of the bunch. I am sure the Pizote will be back to clean up.
We have a group of banana plants out back - 6 or so. We have had fruit from them before, but at the moment, 3 of them are actively fruiting - one in particular is ready for cutting.
New Year's Eve I noticed the top bunch was turning yellow - I said to Lisle, we need to cut that one before the birds get them.
New Year's Day came and went - no, we weren't hungover - just occupied with other stuff - window washing etc.
This afternoon, the howler monkey started up about 1:00 pm. It is an odd time for him to howl and he was very close, so I went to look out back.
Something was in the banana plant having a feast - thought it might have been a howler - turned out to be a Pizote. The howler was probably screeching for him to get away from the feast.
About 1/3 of the bunch chewed on.
So we went out with the Machete and hacked at the tree. The plan was I chopped and Lisle eased the tree to the ground - well not quite. I chopped - Lisle said it's coming down and pushed it away from him and it crashed to the ground - bunch of bananas first. The ripe and half chewed ones sprayed everywhere. Managed to save about 1/3 of the bunch. I am sure the Pizote will be back to clean up.
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Weather You Like It Or Not!
That's right - WEATHER!
You can't escape it.
It might be the sun and the wonderful breeze - or maybe a bolt of lightning, a crack of thunder and a tropical downpour. Here, all of those things have greater relevance to what you do day-to-day, or when you do it.
So, the geekish person I am, I bought a weather station. I know, if you want to know the weather, look outside - and I do that - in fact for the most part we live outside. But I want to know - just how hot is it - just how much rain did we get yesterday - i was freezing last night, how low did the temperature go?
It is a great device - sits on a pole in the garden and measures temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction and rainfall. It feeds it all to the internet where the history is stored. AND, because I am a generous person, I can share it with everyone on Weather Underground.
So if you want to see what the weather is in Ojochal right now, take a peek at My Weather Station. Scroll down and you can see the history for the last week.
Or click on the Forecast for Osa link - it usually says the next 10 days are sunny and 33C!
You can't escape it.
It might be the sun and the wonderful breeze - or maybe a bolt of lightning, a crack of thunder and a tropical downpour. Here, all of those things have greater relevance to what you do day-to-day, or when you do it.
So, the geekish person I am, I bought a weather station. I know, if you want to know the weather, look outside - and I do that - in fact for the most part we live outside. But I want to know - just how hot is it - just how much rain did we get yesterday - i was freezing last night, how low did the temperature go?
It is a great device - sits on a pole in the garden and measures temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction and rainfall. It feeds it all to the internet where the history is stored. AND, because I am a generous person, I can share it with everyone on Weather Underground.
So if you want to see what the weather is in Ojochal right now, take a peek at My Weather Station. Scroll down and you can see the history for the last week.
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Yes, We Have No Bananas - STILL!!
So, the banana plant started to fruit - a big bunch.
It grew and then it just at there and, best I can tell, rotted. Never big enough to eat, but so tantalizing! The landscapers cut down the tree (they are only good for one bunch) and will let the 'baby' grow.
But there is still hope! the banana plant next to it just sent out a bunch - guess we will have to see how this one goes.
And there is hope on other fronts - Blossoms!!
Citrus, and
Starfruit
Have some pineapples to plant, and the Papaya trees are 3 feet tall!!
Watch out Chiquita and Dole - our fruit empire is about to explode!!
It grew and then it just at there and, best I can tell, rotted. Never big enough to eat, but so tantalizing! The landscapers cut down the tree (they are only good for one bunch) and will let the 'baby' grow.
But there is still hope! the banana plant next to it just sent out a bunch - guess we will have to see how this one goes.
And there is hope on other fronts - Blossoms!!
Have some pineapples to plant, and the Papaya trees are 3 feet tall!!
Watch out Chiquita and Dole - our fruit empire is about to explode!!
Sunday, January 8, 2017
North American Consumptive Behaviour
People in big cities across North America think nothing about zipping to the store for whatever they need. Shopping is a pastime.
Here, shopping is about the necessities - unless you go to San Jose. We made such a pilgrimage this week. 48 hours of shopping, eating, driving, spending.
We went with specifics in mind - outdoor dining furniture, outdoor clothes dryer, water filter cartridges, sodastream, pendant lights for the kitchen, BBQ accessories, pressure sprayer, gas can, extension cords . . . . EPA, Walmart, PriceSmart, Cemaco
And there was also the mule list - the "oh, you're going to San Jose - can you get me a ..." list. Never a bother to help the neighbours as they have helped you before and will again.
2 nights at a hotel (Studio Hotel in Santa Ana) and 2 nice meals (Lo Spago and the Studio Cafe, Bar and Grill) with the days filled with shopping. All in all a productive but exhausting excursion.
Items of note -
We wanted outdoor dining table and chairs for the gazebo. A friend said to check out CR Patio. It was near the hotel, and WAZE said to turn into this dirt drive off the highway (yes, the toll highway has all sorts of little drives and lanes on and off - we aren't talking offramps - a drive with potholes and ruts that you need to move through while trying to get your vehicle off the road where everyone else is going 100km). Just off the road was a metal gate and guard. We told the guard we were going to CR Patio. He raised the gate and pointed around the side. There was a giant transport truck parked and unloading patio furniture into a lot - no way in. The guard motioned around the other side - the whole place was a equestrian center - or was at some point - paddocks, walking rings, jumping equipment, but no sign of horses or activity. Another guard came out ahead and walked us through a set of gates and pointed down the stairs. This place was obviously a clubhouse as some point, with what looked like a restaurant sitting on the second floor overlooking the action and the abandoned swimming pool down below. Down the steps, a guy stopped unloading the truck and came over. He took us into the "showroom" - clearly this place was not meant for public access, dusty and cluttered. He showed us stuff - all intended for large spaces - all high end Castelle furniture for what seemed like a steal. We didn't buy anything, but it was well worth the experience.
We wanted a SodaStream (beverage carbonation system). Until recently they were not available in Costa Rica, but I found a place online and had connected with a representative. With rough directions we tried to find the place without success. A phone call the next day got us better directions, so off we went. The company was in Pavas - one of the San Jose suburbs, near the National Stadium. We drove around and finally found the landmark - the Pizza Hut corporate office - it was supposed to be in front of this - no obvious sign of Pura Vida Co2. Another call - there is a drive and a chain next to the Koehler showroom - tell the guard you want Bodega 12. Ok - a whole warehouse complex - no obvious signs for any of the businesses - we ask one of the many people coming and going - #12 is pointed out - a half-full warehouse - plywood and such - an office on one side - oh yes, this is the place - turns out SodaStream is a side business for a custom melamine cutting company (state of the art computerized cuts for homes condos and resorts). A cup of coffee - conversation with the owner - a tour of the plant - we leave with our SodaStream.
Just 2 adventures in our retail therapy! Not just another trip to the mall.
Here, shopping is about the necessities - unless you go to San Jose. We made such a pilgrimage this week. 48 hours of shopping, eating, driving, spending.
We went with specifics in mind - outdoor dining furniture, outdoor clothes dryer, water filter cartridges, sodastream, pendant lights for the kitchen, BBQ accessories, pressure sprayer, gas can, extension cords . . . . EPA, Walmart, PriceSmart, Cemaco
And there was also the mule list - the "oh, you're going to San Jose - can you get me a ..." list. Never a bother to help the neighbours as they have helped you before and will again.
2 nights at a hotel (Studio Hotel in Santa Ana) and 2 nice meals (Lo Spago and the Studio Cafe, Bar and Grill) with the days filled with shopping. All in all a productive but exhausting excursion.
Items of note -
We wanted outdoor dining table and chairs for the gazebo. A friend said to check out CR Patio. It was near the hotel, and WAZE said to turn into this dirt drive off the highway (yes, the toll highway has all sorts of little drives and lanes on and off - we aren't talking offramps - a drive with potholes and ruts that you need to move through while trying to get your vehicle off the road where everyone else is going 100km). Just off the road was a metal gate and guard. We told the guard we were going to CR Patio. He raised the gate and pointed around the side. There was a giant transport truck parked and unloading patio furniture into a lot - no way in. The guard motioned around the other side - the whole place was a equestrian center - or was at some point - paddocks, walking rings, jumping equipment, but no sign of horses or activity. Another guard came out ahead and walked us through a set of gates and pointed down the stairs. This place was obviously a clubhouse as some point, with what looked like a restaurant sitting on the second floor overlooking the action and the abandoned swimming pool down below. Down the steps, a guy stopped unloading the truck and came over. He took us into the "showroom" - clearly this place was not meant for public access, dusty and cluttered. He showed us stuff - all intended for large spaces - all high end Castelle furniture for what seemed like a steal. We didn't buy anything, but it was well worth the experience.
We wanted a SodaStream (beverage carbonation system). Until recently they were not available in Costa Rica, but I found a place online and had connected with a representative. With rough directions we tried to find the place without success. A phone call the next day got us better directions, so off we went. The company was in Pavas - one of the San Jose suburbs, near the National Stadium. We drove around and finally found the landmark - the Pizza Hut corporate office - it was supposed to be in front of this - no obvious sign of Pura Vida Co2. Another call - there is a drive and a chain next to the Koehler showroom - tell the guard you want Bodega 12. Ok - a whole warehouse complex - no obvious signs for any of the businesses - we ask one of the many people coming and going - #12 is pointed out - a half-full warehouse - plywood and such - an office on one side - oh yes, this is the place - turns out SodaStream is a side business for a custom melamine cutting company (state of the art computerized cuts for homes condos and resorts). A cup of coffee - conversation with the owner - a tour of the plant - we leave with our SodaStream.
Just 2 adventures in our retail therapy! Not just another trip to the mall.
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Yes, We Have No Bananas
That has been our problem.
20+ fruit trees on the property but no fruit.
6 banana trees, 3 mango trees, 2 water apples, a starfruit, several papaya (they are pretty small we grew them from seeds), citrus in large number (I hesitate to say what type as here anything citrus seems to be a "Limon"), cinnamon and 6 avocado trees. All without any fruit and most have been planted for 5 years. Lisle is "very disappointed".
Well, our fruitlessness has come to an end. Yes, we have BANANAS!!!
No they are not yet ready to eat, and lord knows that any number of creatures may devour them before we get a taste, but they are there and they are growing.
Standby for the tasting!!
20+ fruit trees on the property but no fruit.
6 banana trees, 3 mango trees, 2 water apples, a starfruit, several papaya (they are pretty small we grew them from seeds), citrus in large number (I hesitate to say what type as here anything citrus seems to be a "Limon"), cinnamon and 6 avocado trees. All without any fruit and most have been planted for 5 years. Lisle is "very disappointed".
Well, our fruitlessness has come to an end. Yes, we have BANANAS!!!
No they are not yet ready to eat, and lord knows that any number of creatures may devour them before we get a taste, but they are there and they are growing.
Standby for the tasting!!
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Merry Christmas!
As we settle in for a quiet Christmas eve, Lisle and I want to wish all our family and friends a very Merry Christmas! Hopefully you are spending this evening and tomorrow in the warmth of love and friendship.
Friday, November 25, 2016
The Weather is on OTTO-Pilot
That means RAIN.
We have been here a week and rain is the constant. The humidity is at 95+% and we are in a cloud.
Hurricane Otto came and went. With exception of two communities in the north part of the country, there was little damage. The winds never materialized and the rain, while persistent, was no worse that typical rainy season. With all the rain, the ground is soaked and a tree came down in the jungle in the middle of the night - always an unsettling noise to be awoken by.
We had hoped that with the move of the system off into the Pacific we might get a break, but no - early morning was clearer, but by mid morning back to the rain.
Oh well the sun will return soon enough - at least it isn't snow!
We have been here a week and rain is the constant. The humidity is at 95+% and we are in a cloud.
Hurricane Otto came and went. With exception of two communities in the north part of the country, there was little damage. The winds never materialized and the rain, while persistent, was no worse that typical rainy season. With all the rain, the ground is soaked and a tree came down in the jungle in the middle of the night - always an unsettling noise to be awoken by.
We had hoped that with the move of the system off into the Pacific we might get a break, but no - early morning was clearer, but by mid morning back to the rain.
Oh well the sun will return soon enough - at least it isn't snow!
Monday, November 21, 2016
Back At It!
Just arrived in Ojochal -really miss this place when we are not here.
We ventured to Italy for a month to celebrate our 30th anniversary - so much fun - great food - great wine - great people - great adventures.
Pisa
Lucca
Porto Venere
Cinque Terre
Positano
Rome
Rome
Rome
Venice
Florence, Chianti, Modena, San Marino, San Giminagno as well - 4 weeks eating our way across the country.
So today was settling in - always a chore to set things up and feel like home again. - but it was a great treat and the howlers came to visit - about 3 pm - a male howling in the trees out back - about 30 minutes and then he went quiet and it started to rain - didn't see others - maybe they will hang about for a bit - really makes you feel like you're home.
We ventured to Italy for a month to celebrate our 30th anniversary - so much fun - great food - great wine - great people - great adventures.
Florence, Chianti, Modena, San Marino, San Giminagno as well - 4 weeks eating our way across the country.
So today was settling in - always a chore to set things up and feel like home again. - but it was a great treat and the howlers came to visit - about 3 pm - a male howling in the trees out back - about 30 minutes and then he went quiet and it started to rain - didn't see others - maybe they will hang about for a bit - really makes you feel like you're home.
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Only in Canada EH! Pity!
The past few days I have been struck by the things that are so Costa Rican - I am sure many of them exist elsewhere in the world, but they are 'unique' to our experience here.
Lunch watching the water crash on the rocks
Offroading in the jungle
Sunset over the Pacific Ocean
Beets the size of softballs
The weekly market
Watching a rainstorm over the Pacific Ocean
Watching a 7' Iguana climb the fence while you are sipping your wine
Having morning coffee with your pet hummingbird and pet lizard (did you know hummingbirds chirp? this one does a lot - we call him squeaky)
Tropical floral arrangements from your own garden
Interesting birds who just stop by - this is an Oropendula
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