This is what happens. . .

When you go ziplining with your folks! This is the Eidsons back in October when my folks were here visiting. We got all outfitted and suited up at Eco-Glide, a very good company near the volcano in La Fortuna. Everyone had to wear the high-shoulder harness except for Lucy. Yes, she is wasting away down here! After we were all suited up and the guides gave my folks several warnings about not coming into the platform with their feet high, we posed for this picture. Then we went to the practice line where everyone took a turn. Alas, the whole tour was not meant to be as thunder and lightning came rolling through. For those not familiar with ziplining, you hook into a metal cable and shoot from tree to tree. Lightning is not a zipliner's friend, so everything was put on hold.

Ho-Ho-Ho Poll. . .

Furry elves. . .

Against all better judgment (that would be mine, as I wasn't around when Lucy was out shopping) the pooches of Tree Houses are now all outfitted in Christmas attire. In addition to Bejuca and Mini-B, we are watching Sweetie while Kelly is up in the States. Sweetie didn't know what she was getting into when she was dropped off here a couple of weeks ago.

Despite my best intentions and argument ("No self-respecting jungle dog should wear a Christmas 'do-rag or fuzzy snowballs) the pooches are all outfitted for the season.

It may not last very long, as they're all pretty much used to tearing off into the jungle, so the 'do-rags and other stuff may not make it back from an afternoon jaunt.

Big lag. . .

We returned from Argentina. . . Great trip. . . And then I picked up my first cold in over a year. . . No fun at all sneezing, wheezing, hacking and snorting in the tropics.

Did cave in and went to the local pharmacy for an injection, which is what most Ticos do when they come down with a cold. Of course, due to my limited Spanish, I'm not entirely sure what I was shot up with, but it did some good, I think.

I walked into the pharmacy, told them I had a cold and needed an injection. After a few questions and sign language as to what my allergies were, the pharmacy tech told me to head into the back room for the shot. I walked back, and there was the pharmacy tech, drawing something out of a bottle with a needle. I gamely rolled up my sleeve and braced for the prick. She smiled, shook her head and said, "Pantalones abajo" or drop your pants. I did and she did her thing with the needle. It was a big lump on the right side, which made the drive home a bit uncomfortable, but think it was worthwhile.

In Costa Rica, you can get a load of drugs over the counter, whereas in the States you need a prescription. And the drugs are considerably cheaper than back home. My dad, a pharmacist, was checking out different pharmacies when he and my mom were down here in October, and he wasn't aghast about the pharmacies here, so that's good enough for me.