O-Dark-Thirty

It's a beautiful country with diverse forms of wildlife! A large portion of Costa Rica is set aside as Eco-parks, not available for development. There are more gorgeous birds in this small country than I've ever seen anywhere. It is a paradise for photographers. Darling loved it and even tried to capture a photo of a huge blue butterfly, but it eluded her the entire week. The terrain is mountainous and we enjoyed a week of meals on a veranda overlooking a fast-moving stream with (small) waterfalls. For residents of the Houston area, every small hill was a beauty and a challenge.  The people were friendly and helpful to us. We tried to speak Spanish, but it turns out we're only good enough to be polite. We tried at every opportunity, though. Darling and I both think that we should do our best to speak the local language. We even do that at home. The fruits and vegetables were delicious. We ate more healthy for those nine days in Costa Rica than we ever have. ...

Or I suppose I should say "Creo que no." Here's the background story. For years I watched Costa Rica through International Living 's magazine, as expats from the United States and other countries flooded there for the good weather and beautiful surroundings. For those who managed to get there a decade ago, they probably got some good deals on homes as well. Nadine Pisani recounts many of her adventures moving to Costa Rica in her books and on her blog post. You get a feel for what moving to Costa Rica is like and some good laughs as well, since she is a talented and often comedic author. The stories of her husband Rob are always funny. Nadine and Rob are creating a fabulous life in this little area of tropical paradise. The country is gorgeous and the people are friendly. I know a little Spanish, but enough to be polite, not enough to actually communicate. Speaking fluently in another language is a level of skill I just don't have. Still, a lot of people s...

I'm not running for office, but if I were, this is what I'd say: I don't want your money for my campaign. What I want is your vote. I'm saddened that politicians think the election must be bought. Maybe they're right, but I'd like to prove them wrong. If you are part of what is called the one percent, I'd love to have some money for the campaign. Let's be clear, though. It isn't to buy favors. You don't need favors - the other 99 percent do. They need help, for themselves, for their families, and for their communities. Help me get elected and I'll make sure that they get heard, and that you're part of the solution. That is, after all, what we all want. A stronger, better, more United States of America. Why don't I hear any of the politicians say that?