In Memory of Pauline Garner

I am sad to report that Kim's Nanny Pauline passed away. Kim flew from Florida to Arkansas on Sunday to be with her family for the memorial and burial.

Pauline was a woman that in no way had the easy life, but in every way had a good life. She was the most up-beat senior citizen I have ever met. Despite dealing with severe arthritis, the loss of her husband, a heart attack that left her with 15% of her heart function and other health issues, she had time to get her G.E.D. while in her eighties and volunteer at the hospital and just be a joy to be around. Pauline will always be an inspiration to me and I am quite sure that she passed down her chipper personality to my lovely wife, so I thank her sincerely for that.

Pauline didn't have to stop at the Gates of Heaven to check in, they saw her pre-approved express pass and waved her on through.

We will miss you always Pauline and will play Hand and Foot in your honor at every Christmas gathering!

Kim will definitely see you soon. If you could talk to St. Peter on my behalf I would appreciate it.

We Love You.

More Manuel Antonio Pics

Mom and Bill Head Back to Arkansas

We saw the folks off just a little while ago. Mom insisted upon getting a bus back to San Jose, so I wouldn't have to drive. I picked up a little bug in my tummy and spent the last 24 hours between bed and toilet. It still feels like little volcanic eruptions going off in my digestive tract, but I am able to walk around without feelling too bad today. I felt bad that the last full day with Mom and Bill that I couldn't be any fun, but at least it waited 'til the last day.
This morning we were greeted by a group of Capuchin monkeys at about 6:30 a.m. I had to be the dork and feed them a banana or two or three. The word got out and soon there were many. Capuchins, however, are not as friendly about receiving food-stuffs and get pissy if you don't have enough for all. We had one that was missing his upper lip that was very concerned about his portion or lack there of. He kept coming on to the veranda and trying to throw off our belongings. Then he peered through the screen door for a couple of minutes with that funky upper lip and his teeth showing, it was like a Hitchcock film.
We did get some cute pics of a mom and her baby and learned that the monkeys definitely know how to pose for food.
We have had a great relaxing time here at Costa Verde and now it is time to head south to the Osa Peninsula where my friends Kim and Melanie Norman have been so gracious as to offer to put us up for a while in their home away from home there.
We may be out of communication for a week, so don't be angry if there isn't an update. Hopefully we will have the mother of all updates then.
We love all of you. Thanks for the comments (Donna, Tracey, Tuna, Julie, Janet) Kim really likes to read the comments.
Talk to you as soon as we can.
James and Kim
P.S. No I didn't threaten Kim to make her hold the beetle. I suggest the act and then let her biology teacher guilt do the rest. My mother found the beetle and collected it in her glasses case for show and tell.