Community Chat

[SandySparkles]

@Lindsays Grandma @JYWilliams @PamfromCT  @mspatmac @LindaSal @oznell@January121@Diane J@Ruby Laine@SouthernBee

Words are so very powerful! Your comforting words of support, prayers, and encouragement, wrapped a bow around my heart, and and leave a melody in my soul this morning.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😃 

Each warm sentiment leaves me fighting back happy tears, as I read them. I feel so very special in this moment, and THANK each of you from the bottom of my heart!💖

~~~All we need is LOVE💖

[PamfromCT]

Sandy, no thank you is necessary, sweetie.  My pleasure!

[Lindsays Grandma]

---

@Oznell wrote:

Did not know this, thanks, @Lindsays Grandma .   You are such a kind, insightful and exemplary presence here, @Sandy Sparkles--  sending prayers for your well-being, and hope to see you soon.

---

@Oznell ...I know I gave you a heart for your post, however, it deserves more than that, it deserve a special thank you.  I try to maintain a positive influence and kindness is something I learned from my parents.  You touched me deeply and I am most appreciative of your thoughtfullness.

[DianeJ2]

@Lindsays Grandma  Now you warmed my heart, thank you! Even if I haven't commented, on them, I have missed your late night posts. Many times, I ended my  day reading them with a smile 💖 

[Lindsays Grandma]

---

@DianeJ2 wrote:

@Lindsays Grandma  Now you warmed my heart, thank you! Even if I haven't commented, on them, I have missed your late night posts. Many times, I ended my  day reading them with a smile 💖 

---

@DianeJ2 ....You are very welcome and I too miss not being able to post the threads.  There were many who looked forward to them and I looked forward to hearing from those who read them.  I don't know if they will ever be allowed again, one can only hope.

[SandySparkles]

@Lindsays Grandma  I see the other thread is gone for some reason.😐 I was informed that as of the 26th of January, all international travelers, including U.S. citizens will be required to show proof of a negative COVID test within 3 days of travel to the US, so I am considering a possible change to my return date from Costa Rica. The tests that I see thus far range from 83-greater than 150.00.

I am going to check with an expat group on Facebook to see if anyone knows of a test that meets the new requirements, at a more affordable price, so that I can remain as long as originally planned. My daughter starts her new job tomorrow. She and her husband are quite busy, and still in need of my babysitting assistance; I am enjoying every minute of it.😊 Organizing the new house has been slow, but steady.

Extraordinary precautions are taken here! Hand washing stations are provided outside of most larger markets, and sanitizer when you enter. Your temperature is then taken, and you are free to shop; or not.😊 The tellers at the local Walmart actually disinfect the conveyor belts between each shopper, and you witness the carts being disinfected; no more guessing.👍👍

We are within a 5 minute walk to the beach, and with tourism drastically reduced in this area, social distancing is a breeze. The beaches are shut down early. That stops the evening, perhaps reckless party crowds. There are more boats in the water than beachgoers.😊 I welcome every precaution taken, but miss the energy of the lively beaches here during normal high season.👍

Well dear friend, I am hoping all is well with you, Stacy, Lindsay and Yuki. Take good care.❤

~~~All we need is LOVE💖

[Lindsays Grandma]

@SandySparkles   I found your post by accident, for one reason or another all of our posts to one another are gone, no explanation, no reason, just gone.  I am so glad you are enjoying your stay in Costa Rica and your grandchild.  When you mentioned the beaches it brought back my wonderful memories of our beaches on Long Island where we had a summer home and spent all our summer vacations soaking up the sun, sand and salt water.  Of course I am looking forward to your return and until such time I hope you continue to enjoy every minute of your stay.  Hugs to all of you.

[Lindsays Grandma]

@SandySparkles   I couldn't resist, I looked up Costa Rica on the Internet and when I saw the picture of the  Rio Colorado Bridge Bernado my first thought was, "No one will ever get me on that bridge."  I hate heights and that one is s c a r y to say the least.

I am glad to see they have extraordinary precautions there, some of which I am sure we could use here in the states.  The precautions at the Walmart are excellent, they will never reach that point here, shoppers are too impatient.  Enjoy every moment while you can.  Miss you but am happy you are enjoying your stay, even though it isn't all play.

[SandySparkles]

@Lindsays Grandma  It is so nice to read your endearing posts; they made me smile.😊 I can imagine how wonderful it is to have such comforting memories of your childhood summer beach vacations! Since you are a beach lover, you would absolutely LOVE the beaches here, though I share your trepidation of suspension bridges also-whew!😁

Mine are of looooooong, HOT days in the country with my southern grandmother! Because of nearby livestock, I became an EXPERT fly swatter.😂 We would sit on her screened in porch and shell peas, shuck corn, and make homemade ice cream when she really felt sorry for her "saddity city" grandchildren. I did NOT like that part, because my cousins and I had crank duty.😂 Turning that behemoth was EXHAUSTING, but we were rewarded with the most delicious and refreshing ice cream.😋 We would also have to go black berry, and peach picking EARLY some mornings because she would make jelly, and preserves. Those memories are priceless now, but back then I would have sold them for a penny; seriously! I am grinning like a Cheshire cat as I reminisce.😁 Now, those hiney whippins' with her "git-a-long stick", evoke an entirely different memory.😂

I went to the feria Saturday, which is essentially a Farmer's market, and purchased the most delicious cinnamon style bread I have ever eaten. There, you must also wash your hands; follow with sanitizer and have your temperature taken before being granted entry; much like Walmart and other larger markets here. I have also discovered a few of the smaller ones that share this practice. An inebriated expat was denied access because he thought the rules were "ridiculous". I thought his futile refusal was ridiculous! It certainly tickled my funny bone.😁

I am still undecided as to whether or not I will end my trip early, because of the new COVID requirements that go into effect Jan. 26th for anyone entering the U.S. Hmmm...🤔

Well dear friend, I will update in a few days! Please give everyone warm regards, and a special hug to Lindsay from "Aunt Sandy".🤗 Take good care.❤

~~~All we need is LOVE💖

[Lindsays Grandma]

I am delighted hearing from you.   Of course I think about you everyday and wonder how things are going where you are.  And yes, I loved the beaches and looked forward to our  summers off from school.  We were five families who chipped in to purchase undeveloped land from a farmer which was then divided up between the five and each family built on their plot of land.  All five of the houses were built with white shingles so as to resemble one another but the shutters were a color of your choice.

We went into the woods and picked blueberries from which my mother made jelly, pies and anything else one can do with them.  As for homemade ice cream, my father was the one who turned the handle on the ice cream maker.  And of course I was the one sitting and waiting for the first serving.  We certainly do have a lot in common.

One of the things I miss that we  had many of in CA are the Farmer's Markets.  I always loved fresh produce.  The garden my father had at the summer house was amazing and of course since there was fresh fertilizer available from the farms nearby everything he planted grew to perfection.  

We just had a very frightening thing  happen and I am unnerved, to say the least.  Lindsay was very comfortable sitting at her computer doing what she does when suddenly she had a seizure.  Stacy called 911 and upon their arrival they did some tests and decided to take her to the hospital.  Of course Stacy went with her, the rule is only one family person allowed.  I will be waiting impatiently for news, good news!!!

I hope you continue to enjoy your stay, but I am looking forward to your return, I'm being selfish.   I will keep you informed as I am given updates.  Take care...