Image Above: Mas Q Sabor Navidad Tree December 19 2025
I got back from Grecia and San Isidro de Alajuela by two.
Marianela dropped me at the bank at 10:10 so I could get cash. (I gave her a Christmas bonus with some of it, which surprised and delighted her.) Then I bid her adieu and walked to the rendezvous point (the Grecia post office, two places away from Mas Q Sabor) that Melaney had chosen for us, which was scheduled for 10:30.
I texted Melaney at 10:15 letting her know I had arrived. She responded that she was on her way and had to make a quick stop before she got to me, so she suggested that I order a coffee and she’d be along very shortly.
So, I walked to Mas Q sabor and ordered a hot chocolate and drank that slowly. Their Christmas Tree blew me away, so I took a picture of it:
By the time I finished the drink and used the bathroom, I saw Melaney cross the street about a quarter block away and scooted out after her, fearing that she had tried to find me while I was in the bathroom and had no luck, so she was heading back to her vehicle to give me a call.
That wasn’t it at all.
She had parked her vehicle and crossed the street to fetch some packages from a delivery place very nearby. So, I stood with her until she got those and we went to her vehicle and headed up to San Isidro.
She pointed out Dale’s and Crystal’s place as we went by it in San Isidro. The place I wanted to see is just a short way up the road from there, easily within walking distance, which is very cool since I don’t own a car and neither do the Garrisons.
We drove in through the gate. The property is gorgeous, the slopes getting to the place are manageable, and the house is magnificent. Alas, I wasn’t able to see the actual suite I’d be renting, since someone else is living there right now and he didn’t want us to crash his pad, but I have seen photos, and since it’s part of the home I did see, I know it’s magnificent, too, and plenty big enough for me.
Melanie, the owner and I spent almost an hour there while the owner got to learn more about me, to decide if we’d be compatible. The good news is that she wants to start slow, with a three-month lease, then a six month lease, and then perhaps a year lease just to be sure it’s a good fit, even though we’ll have our separate spaces. I think that’s a terrific idea, and agreed.
I asked if we could leave at 12 because I knew the bus would be by at 12:10 and wouldn’t be back by for another hour if I missed it, so we said quick goodbyes and Melaney dropped me at the mini mart where the bus stops to take on passengers, which is right next to the road that would take her to her home.
We said our goodbyes, and not more than eight or ten minutes later, the bus came by and picked me up. I was back in Grecia in 20 minutes, very near where I usually get off the El Cajon bus. And because it was still 20 to 25 minutes before the El Cajon bus would be on its way, I ducked into Mercado Municipal and bought four pieecs of fileted fish and batter and asked him to put the fish on ice. I also got more of Charli’s favorite flavors of cat food at a pet place there.
When I got to the El Cajon bus stop, I spotted Lynda Rice in line again, waiting for the doors to open to allow us to board. She nodded to me but she was with a friend, and the bus would be taking on an additional friend farther along the route, so we didn’t sit together this time, but we “hasta luego’d” each other as I disembarked.
And now I’m looking for a renter for this place like mad. The gal Melaney had in mind sold her place in Coco Beach and rented or bought a place in San Isidro, so she is no longer a potential candidate for this place. I hesitate to mention moving to Cat until after the holdays because I don’t want to add any stress or unhappiness at this time, and because I’d like to find a renter for her before I even have to tell her, but I may end up letting her know sooner if I see her again before New Year’s Day. The sooner I tell her, the sooner Brooke can start looking in earnest for her next renter… so I need to do it.