 The Sheridans - Just Jen | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 25th June 2008 Jessika | your green frog - From: Butterfly Conservatory actually your picture of the green frog on the green leaf is a red-eyed tree frog. when resting they seal up all their color so they look all green, but once moving they have the yellow and blue sides, oragne feet, and red eyes. I know this because we sell them at the PetSmart I work at, in Utah. I remember when I first saw it, I thought a different frog got into the red-eyed frog's cage some how. But when moving it I saw that it was indeed a red-eyed tree frog. They are pretty intersting little frogs! |
| 14th May 2008 jaclyn | - From: Daily life in Costa Rica i might move to costa rica!!! is it cool??? |
| 8th April 2008 Paige Hailey | Strong Rip Current - From: The Beach, Playa Esterillos Hi, I just wanted to mention that parts of Playa Esterillos do have a very, very strong rip current, especially when the tide is going low. My parents live on Playa Esterillos and we have seen many accounts of people getting sucked out and in very dangerous situations. Even when the surf is only five to six feet, the rips can cause a lot of problems. In the last two years, there have been five or six drownings in the area and more than 20 rescues by local surfers and even a fishing boat. Please be careful and always go in with fins or a boogie board, especially in Esterillos Este and Central. |
| 13th March 2008 Manrique Molina | Irazu volcano - From: Poas Volcano Have you been to Irazu yet? Nice drive and similar to Poas but more moonlike. You should make a day trip, volcano, Cartago city and Orosi valley, nice!!! |
| 21st January 2008 cailley | cool - From: Daily life in Costa Rica you have a cool website. neat pictures, |
| 20th October 2007 Just Jen | photos - From: Thanks for reading Thanks Donna! You wouldn't believe how many sand dollars we actually collect. It was amazing. |
| 19th October 2007 Donna | Photos Fabulous - From: Thanks for reading Jen, I had no idea you were so skilled in photography! These photos are wonderful...please save ocean currency and 2nd beach chair from the left for me. See you soon. Love Donna |
| 28th February 2007 Just Jen | May he rest in peace - From: Random acts of kindness I'd had similar turtles when I was young, mine lasted longer than Callista's. We decided he died from lonliness. Next time we're going to get two at the same time. No one likes to be alone! The turtle is the only other pet Bear has allowed us to have. He's very territorial, we're HIS family and no one elses. |
| 26th February 2007 Lulu | I'm pretty sure they are sliders.... - From: Random acts of kindness If they have little yellow or red markings on the sides of the head, they are slider's. They are aquatic as you can see w/their webbed feet and are mainly carnivorous. They like to eat little pieces of raw meat, fish, shrimp, insects, etc. In their warmed up state this is when they eat the most. Sometimes they might not eat for days. For example, like when it's cooler cause as cold blooded animals their metabolism slows down, but it doesn't mean they are sick. Decades ago it wasn't unusual to find these baby turtles and baby gators for sale in pet shops here in FL. I remember decades ago, my dad bought me two baby red eared slider's and I named them Lucy & Desi - had them for years. They are aquatic cold blooded reptiles & they need a shallow fresh water base w/elevated areas (like stones) for sunning from time to time - not too much sun cause they can overheat and perish. I had mine outside & it's like a game w/the weather outside. |
| 22nd February 2007 Just Jen | Thanks for the tears Paul! - From: Driving in Costa Rica WOW!!! The first glimpse of the flowers brought tears to my eyes! What a special gift you sent me! I can't thank you enough. Jen |
| 22nd February 2007 Just Jen | Awesome! Thanks Paul - From: Driving in Costa Rica I can't wait to check out the site. Pea Soup Anderson's/TGI Fridays, what a waste!!!! Are the flower fields still there? We'll be in San Deigo in July when Bill's son gets married. Our first trip back to the states. I'm looking forward to driving Palomar Airport road and seeing the changes. My mom sent us pics from the Carlsbad street fair last fall. It's amazing how things have changed so much. When I first moved to Carlsbad my 1st hubby and I survived on happy hour at Fidels. The last time we were there Fidels had turned upscale. If and when you make it back down here be sure to look us up. |
| 22nd February 2007 Paul | from San Diego - From: Driving in Costa Rica I'm from San Diego and I know EXACTLY what you are talking about in regards to the Carlsbad PCH Drive... living in Cardiff by the Sea, this drive has always has been one of my fav's (FYI, Pea Soup Andersons = TGIFridays). Love your blog! Takes me back to my 2-weeker in CR (late 2005). I'm saving up to go back to Naranjo and Grecia to see all the great friends I made there. Tico's are so genuine and I vow to return. Keep up your site cause I love the pictures!! In return for helping me re-live such fond memories, I thought I'd help you out ;) a little something I found for you... http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/1061133357027375118QIwiAq scroll to the bottom and reminisce over roads from torrey pines all the way to the carlsbad power plant! http://www.westcoastroads.com/california/us-101a_ca.html Pura Vida!! P.S. I LOVED driving in CR... it was like a match made in Heaven! :) |
| 8th February 2007 cassie | yah - From: Daily life in Costa Rica go costa rica i luv it |
| 2nd February 2007 Just Jen | Thanks for commenting Alexander - From: Tico Train Tour Atenas to Caldera I'm looking forward to another trip to the Caribbean. Our first trip was fun but I would've liked to do more exploring instead of spending time at the hotel. Our daughter starts school in a week so unfortunately our travels will be limited to vacations. I'm thankful for the year we've taken off and traveled around. I'd be interested to know about where you stayed and if you'd recommend it. Thanks again for reading and more for commenting. We may live here but we learn from others travels. |
| 2nd February 2007 Alexander | Costa Rica - From: Tico Train Tour Atenas to Caldera Even before getting on the plane, I couldn’t control my excitement. I had heard so many wonderful things about the Costa Rican beaches and their particular nature. That is why I had decided to visit both coasts, Pacific and Caribbean during my vacation. For 15 days I traveled trouble free on public transport throughout Costa Rica’s coastline, getting to know a variety of fascinating beaches. Each one having a particular type of sand and vegetation. The Caribbean Sea is unique and this particular coastline is home to a vivid afro Jamaican culture. The colors and the smells are unforgettable, where the natural beauty of the area can only be compared with the flavors of their cuisine, unique in the country both original and delicious. From the coconut flavored “rice and beans” platter to the Caribbean “patty” dumplings. The Pacific is also a very diverse area. You can find all different kinds of beaches where the vegetation grows right up to the coast. For example, in Manuel Antonio National Park, the tree branches from the rain forest provide shelter from the sun as you sit on the sand, the only thing one has to worry about are the whiteface monkeys that like to eat your food. These adorable and friendly natives tend to befriend tourists while their friends sneak behind you and take your snacks; it’s quite funny actually. There is so much to see in Costa Rican beaches. It is very different from anything I have ever seen, and I am eager to see more of Costa Rica. My next trip will probably be focused on volcanoes, rainforests and bird watching, if I get the chance! |
| 1st January 2007 peggy | wow - From: Day trip, Zarcero & Termales del Bosque my husband and i just returned from a visit to costa rica and we went to termales on Thursday! we missed you by a few days- it was great! we also stopped in the park in zarcero. |
| 31st December 2006 Just Jen | Just call when you're ready! - From: Day trip, Zarcero & Termales del Bosque Cal and I are always ready to go back, Bill enjoys it as well. Massages are a little steep for me, $22 for 30 min but the $7 mask is a fun treat. They won't let Bear stay in the hotel so we aren't able to do overnights. We tried the restaurant this time, EXCELLENT! Happy New Year! Hope you get some sleep. |
| 31st December 2006 Saratica | - From: Day trip, Zarcero & Termales del Bosque Can't wait to visit there with you next time! |
| 28th December 2006 Just Jen | Gracias Carol Lynn and Sam - From: A December to Remember We are so blessed in our lives here. Yes, there are bad days but people have those everywhere. Stay true to your beliefs and you'll be able to make it thru anything. I hope you start a blog about your adventure if you haven't already. It's great therapy! When bad days come along reading past comments can do wonders to heal your soul and lift spirits. Thank you for taking time to write us, we appreciate it!!! |
| 27th December 2006 Carol Lynn and Sam | Sounds amazing to me - From: A December to Remember I think that sounds like one of the calmest and most appreciative Christmas' ever. I can't wait to challenge new traditions with my family and another moving to Honduras soon. Wish us luck with all of the beautiful changes ahead. Your family has been inspirational for me to believe we too can do it. Thanks kindly. CarolLynn and Sam |
| 27th December 2006 Just Jen | Thanks for the correction - From: Butterfly Conservatory No problem at all Bertha, I welcome the correction. We see so many new things here it's easy to get mixed up. I try to be more careful these days but...ya never know. |
| 27th December 2006 Bertha | wrong. - From: Butterfly Conservatory you're so called posion dart frog is really a red eyed tree frog. you told me to correct you if you were wrong. sometimes the truth hurts. bye. |
| 26th December 2006 Cyn | Merry Christmas - From: A December to Remember No white Christmas here in MD either. Your not missing anything at all. Love to all, Cyn |
| 17th December 2006 Just Jen | You bet Vicki! - From: San Ramon Tope 2006 Callista would absolutely LOVE a horse, what little girl wouldn't? Maybe one day. We do have a lot of fun here, it was the right choice for us. There are bad days as well but the daily blessings out weigh any of the negatives. Hi Melia! |
| 16th December 2006 Vicki Petersen | Hello all - From: San Ramon Tope 2006 I think Calista may be ready for a horse, It is so great to see you having so many adventures and fun. Melia says to say hi to Calista. She misses you lots. Glad your having fun. |
| 29th November 2006 Just Jen | We're coming your way next summer - From: The Beach, Playa Esterillos Hi Char, Thanks for writing! If you really want to end up here start thinking about it as a reality, visualize it. Hey, it worked for us! We're headed to San Diego in July. If we've got to come back to the states what better place than SD in the summer. If you don't mind sharing, what was your favorite place in CR? |
| 29th November 2006 Char Theilman | Good for you! - From: The Beach, Playa Esterillos Greetings from So. California.... My husband and I took our three boys to Costa Rica a year ago in September, and we can't wait to go back. What a trip that was for all of us! Some of the places you have mentioned were places we had gone. The Crocodiles, Playa Herradura, Los suenos and we stayed two nights at the Martino hotel in Alejuela and many more. All we talk about now is how and when we will move to Costa Rica. I can only hope that we can make it a reality! Best of luck to you... Bob and Char Theilman |
| 29th November 2006 Just Jen | We drove right by it! - From: Why the country life? We commented on the movie theater but didn't see the Don Fernando sign. Drove past the damn place several times! We'll be back at the dentist next week, Calli & I want to stop at the Chocolateria next time as well. I am really happy you moved to Escazu so we can visit. Don't want to live there but it's nice knowing people who do. :) Do they still have those unnatural colored coconut palms for sale in the keys? Beep as you pass Little Torch Key and Parmers resort for us. We had a great time there with our son last summer. Eat some escargot for me if you get a chance! See ya in a few weeks. |
| 29th November 2006 Saratica | City Mouse, Country Mouse - From: Why the country life? That's a children's play I did years ago in Key West... Let's see: who should I play???? Alas, I've always been a city girl. If I could afford Manhattan, I'd have an apartment there in, well, a New York minute! I love the country, the quiet, the scenery. That is why I like Costa Rica - even in the city here, it's still country! But not like San Ramon - it is so beautiful there! When I need a fix, I will come to you. When you all need city fixin's, come to me, ok? OH - Don Fernando. As you come down the main road past Tony Roma's, you get to Scotiabank and bear right. You will come to a tall older mall on the left - can't think of the name of it, but one of the main signs reads "Don Fernando's" and there is a movie theatre on the lower level. At the far end, there is an underground parking lot. It's 400 or 500 colones to park there but you aren't paying a guard or having to search for a place to park. Let me know if you find it - great place!!! See you mid-December - we are in Florida now, heading to Key West today. Pura vida, Jen and gang! |
| 27th November 2006 Just Jen | Yeah! - From: New Beginnings Today we've been watching a budding romance between two of the little white necked ones. It's so sweet watching the courtship! You'd love it. |
| 27th November 2006 anonymous | - From: New Beginnings Loved the bird pix. Mom |
| 23rd November 2006 Just Jen | I miss you too! - From: Day trips, Palmares, Atenas and Escazu I love getting comments from you!!! Our long talks are something I treasured. Have you been to Changing Hands lately? How I miss that store, the books AND the atmosphere. We need to talk about SKYPE. I'll send you a private email. I love you very much and think of you often. You're the best damn Aunt anyone could ever ask for. Please send my love to K&E and holiday greetings to the rest of your family at your mothers house today, the day of thanks. BTW the iguanas are truely fascinating, never thought I'd be saying that either. |
| 23rd November 2006 Just Jen | Terry, Glad to hear you're still in! - From: Scouting expedition to Mt. Chirripo You call us or we'll call you ... we need to talk about stuff like uh, where and how to get 0 degree sleeping bags and such. |
| 22nd November 2006 Carole Winslow | Happy T-giving - From: Day trips, Palmares, Atenas and Escazu Hi Sheridans !! Glad to know you "shot" a pie for T-giving. Saved a bird AND insured that there will be no leftovers to deal with. Smart girl. Very warm here so turning on the oven means turning on the a/c, too (not very Norman Rockwell). I'll be at my mom's. At nearly 90, she's unable to do the cooking but wants to host the festivities nevertheless. K & E will be in Irvine. E is studying for her final licensing exam on 12/27 (what fool picked THAT date?). If she passes, she has a great job awaiting her at one of the family-therapy clinics in OC where she interned. K's calendar is always full during the holidays, so he's resting up w/ "a lot of football and a nap on the couch." Bet Bill would like to join him for both (after the pie). Hugs to all. Jen, I miss our long talks, but gotta tell ya that the only creature I refuse to share space w/ is an iguana. So, getting me to CR to admire them just ain't gonna happen !! Still, you sound happy & that makes me happy. Feel loved (and missed). Aunt C. |
| 22nd November 2006 Terry Fickett | It's time to get in shape! - From: Scouting expedition to Mt. Chirripo Read your article and the climb up the mountain sounds challenging. We can make it though, right Bill? Now the road over, that sounds more challenging than the climb! About 6 weeks to get into shape. Guess I'll start tomorrow......... |
| 18th November 2006 Just Jen | VICKI !!!! - From: What's it like to visit us? How the heck are you???? I'm so glad you found time to spend on the site. Whether you realize it or not I think of all of you at the school often and am thankful for the challenges it presented. I hope more people use it as a safe place to challenge ideas and step out of their comfort zones. The rewards are/ can be heavenly! Hugs to you and the family. |
| 18th November 2006 Just Jen | Encouraging words greatly appreciated - From: Frustration Thanks Costabellena! Sometimes my words worry the family but in the end they agree what I'm doing is right even if it can be uncomfortable. Reader comments keep me going when the outside world overwhelms me. I'm thankful for each and every comment made as I know it means that person had to step out of their own comfort zone to write as well. |
| 18th November 2006 Just Jen | Thanks KC - From: Frustration Revisited and more What a different world it would be if each and every person just took responsibility for themselves and their actions instead of pointing fingers and blaming others. I appreciate your taking time to comment. |
| 17th November 2006 Vicki Petersen | Paradise - From: What's it like to visit us? Hello Your heaven looks like paradise. Thanks for these beautiful pictures and your beautiful poem. Friends. Love and laughs to you all. |
| 13th November 2006 costaballena | You see it like it is! - From: Frustration Good for you Jen to see and say it like it is! I, too, can't fathom ex-pats on entended tourist visas, iilegal to say the least, exploiting Costa Rica in the name of the almighty dollar. Can you imagine the baby-boomers visiting CR in the near future and looking for their piece of paradise? Every Tom, Dick, Harry and whoever will be on the frontline trying to bait their fish. Not only will they make a ton of CASH escorting the BBs around but they risk also to make a nice commission or profit on land they bought for peanuts from a Tico farmer or Tica widow in her aging years. Buying land at a fair price is questionable! Just read all the real estate websites time to time and it is flagrant to see a parcel of land in the Central Valley property for sale for 500,000+, which was formerly a family finca. Unless the developer paid to the owner at least 400,000 of the selling price, well, it's manipulative speculation pure and simple and only creates animosity in the community. It's not a question of being in the right place at the right time but more or less disinheriting Ticos of a just $ value to their property. Why do you think the attitude of Costa Ricans concerning petty theft towards Gringos is not an issue with them? Simply because the Gringos have merited this in one way or another. If being disinherited of a just value or knowing of the many instances by rumour or local gossip, Ticos are not going to sympathize with the situation and sadly, ex-pats who have nothing to do with this are penalized and affected. All of this is supposedly in the name of making a living! What gives them the right to exploit Costa Rica and the Ticos by selling their land at inflated prices and touring around the country vanting the beauty and the tranquility and paraise found for big $$$? Of course, the answer is always the same, ''we are creating jobs in the community''. Certainly, jobs at 800 colones an hour! WOW! Low-end paying jobs such as gardeners, cooks, cleaning ladies created to run their businesses and make even more $$$. Regulating real estate and tourist businesses laws should be established to eliminate unscrupulous practice. A hefty capital gains tax in real estate transactions, a real estate and tourist business licence for residents only after 5 years of residency and excluding pensionados from working since the first reason they have come to CR is to retire. In closing, I agree with you on not getting started on the men and the Ticas. That's a Pandora's Box! Keep up your good perspective and writing! |
| 12th November 2006 KC | Couldn't agree with you more ! ! ! - From: Frustration Revisited and more Thanks Jen for sharing so much truth! You're wearing blinders? I think it's quite the opposite don't you? Those running helter skelter trying to make another dollar to buy another trinket that they really don't need. Passing the poor and needy on the street without so much as a kind thought for them. Jesus said the second greatest commandment is for us to love our neighbors as ourselves, the first of course is to love God with all our Heart, Mind, Soul, and Strength. It's the darkness of this world that has blinded the hearts of mankind. Pura Vida! |
| 11th November 2006 Just Jen | reader comments inspire me - From: Frustration Revisited and more Thanks Cindy for the compliment but it's my higher power who deserves the credit, I am just a worker bee. I don't preach my faith, I choose instead to be an example of it. Comments like yours help give me the strength and energy to keep writing and living my life the way I do when the outside world tries to force its way in. I've tried living my faith quietly but apparently that isn't the way it's supposed to be. Thank you for supporting and encouraging my way of life. |
| 10th November 2006 Cindy | Frustration revisited and more - From: Frustration Revisited and more Jen, I salute and applaud you. I'm not very good with words, but I want to thank you for sharing your heartfelt feelings. You hit the nail on the head EXACTLY. How wonderful it is to know someone who feels the same as I. I feel so out of place and alone living in the US. I can't wait until I get to CR, only then do I feel I can truly open my heart and completely enjoy life. Thank you for being such an inspiration. |
| 9th November 2006 Just Jen | Thanks Jose - From: Frustration I appreciate your comments. My opinions are based my conversations and dealings with people newer in the area than yourself without the track record you speak of. Unfortunately, there are bad apples in every bunch. It's just the way it is. Those bad apples reflect badly on good guys as well. Perhaps the good guys should band together to to drive the unscrupulous out? My blog is simply one persons opinion perhaps soured by my experiences but none the less a valid opinion. I sincerely appreciate your comments and encourage others who have strong opinions to have their comments published along with mine for blog readers to consider. Something everyone should know if they don't already is that I speak, write honestly from my heart. I welcome the opportunity to share my life's philosophy with anyone who cares to listen. Perhaps then it would be easier for some to understand where I'm coming from in my opinions. Sincerely, Just Jen |
| 9th November 2006 Jose in San Ramon | Valid Points - From: Frustration Jen, you make valid points, but the picture is much bigger and can be quite different from what you say. I have a small B and B in Alajuela, I built it from the ground up with a lot of hard woirk, and I´m proud to say it´s done well and provides a needed service for a fair price. I´ve also bought land here in San Ramon and have had a part in building over 17 houses for very nice people who are enjoying life here in their retirement years, in a safe and secure area. The land was bought at a fair price from a local farmer who is still my friend and who has seen how hard I have worked to make his cattle pasture a good place to live. He has seen the caliber of people I have brought to their little community, and who provide employment to a handful of locals who celebrate events with us. The dozen or more people who are living here because of my activities are but a small fraction of the total population, are quiet and well mannered, and their lifestyles enrich our total community. Most of them are trying to learn Spanish and enrich their own appreciation of Tico culture. I do not have a lot of money, the activities I do I have to do to make a living, and I hold my head up as I walk through town, knowing I am doing it as well as I can. I run Solo Bueno, an Internet Cafe and Bookstore frequented by the local expats, and I hope you will come by and say hello sometime. I can understand your sentiments, but most of the bad apples are not in this area. |
| 7th November 2006 Just Jen | You're awesome! - From: Looking for a Bear sitter Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you! We'll let you know if it comes to that. |
| 7th November 2006 Saratica | - From: Looking for a Bear sitter Of course: if no one can stay in your house during that time, we would love to have Bear here. We'll have at least two dogs by then... it will be like summer camp! Good luck finding someone to stay there - i know that's your first choice. See you! |
| 6th November 2006 Cindy | Frustration - From: Frustration Jen, I'm so glad you wrote this. We were there in April, fell in love with Costa Rica and bought a lot from George, whom we dearly love. I feel the same as you about not wanting to let any more people come into the country. ha! I can't help worrying about the bad Americans/Foreigners stripping the innocence from CR and it's people. I just hope what we love does not get ruined by money hungry insensitvive people. Hopefully, the majority will be people like you and the other nice people that have written in this comment column. We will be there permantly in six years (after we retire) and we would love to meet you. Cindy |
| 2nd November 2006 Just Jen | Honest American Realtors - From: Frustration I can say the American Realtors honestly want your money. :) I'm hoping most of the people with the bad attitudes will just move on. By not going to places many of them hang out we really are sheltered from the garbage. We went into "their" territory the other weekend that's why I was fuming. It is possible to stay away from the negative type. We've made some awesome friends from the states here. Great people with great hearts. Keep the faith, we don't want to let "them" win. |
| 1st November 2006 cleo | - From: Frustration We haven't even moved there yet and I was already feeling the way you do. We've noticed so much attention to the area that we thought maybe we were making a mistake...I don't want San Ramon to change into a million dollar tourist trap... it's in jeapordy of becoming the very thing we want to leave behind. I wish something could be done. We haven't met any honest american realtors to help us and we're getting FRUSTRATED right along with you!!! |
