Happy Easter and Passover to all who celebrate either or both of these religious holidays.
I walked this morning, as usual
Didn’t expect to find any of the stores open in this Catholic country on Easter morning, but both of the ones I do business with were open, so I popped into them to say Happy Easter and to get something in each of them.
I got cat food and sunscreen at Super San Isidro and a custard-filled croissant and two baguettes at the panaderia.
I didn’t get anything at the third place; realized I already had my small bag filled with what I’d bought at the other two places plus the thermos of water and the anti-dog spray that I carry with me when I walk.
I was surprised to see the buses running this morning, and people driving up and down the street as if it’s a normal day.
Easter Weekend Pup
A cute knee-high white dog with cream-color ears (young but possibly fully grown) accompanied me during my rounds of the soccer field yesterday and today. I poured some water for him into a discarded tin both days, but he wasn’t particularly interested.
I think I’ll take a little doggie treat down for him from now on. As long as he doesn’t try to follow me home! (My lease limits me to one pet and that’s my Charli!)
He was greeting everyone who came and went, happily wagging his tail. His body language indicated all smiles. He was a real sweetheart.
I petted him. He liked that, but he’s also pretty independent. I didn’t think to snap his photo. I will next time, if I see him again.
Praying Mantis Body Language Conversation
When I walked onto the back patio to stand (er, sit) guard while Charli ventured outdoors yesterday morning, I found someone occupying my chair: a species of Costa Rican praying mantis. (There are several species of praying mantises in CR.)
It was not thrilled to see me. It stood on its hind legs, waved its front appendages, and gave me the stink eye, swiveling its head to watch my every move.
I assured it I was not there to hurt it, but I did want it to move.
So, we had a conversation of sorts. Here are images of our interaction. The video links below these images will give you a better understanding of what went on…
“Well, hello, there! You’re in my chair.”
“Nope. S’my chair right now!”
“I need to be there now, please?”
“How’z this?”
“Not quite.”
“Better?”
“Getting there. Let me help…”
I found a stick and put it in front of the creature.
It boarded quite readily, but not in a panic.
Then I placed it on a nearby palm frond.
It wanted the fern that was above it, so I bent it down so the creature could grasp it with its front appendages and affix itself to the underside.
A Happy Ending for Both Parties!
Praying Mantis Video #1
https://www.facebook.com/674337914/videos/pcb.10165016697177915/1547235736818837
Praying Mantic Video #2
https://www.facebook.com/674337914/videos/pcb.10165016697177915/1582316809737684
God, I love it here in Costa Rica! One day I see a coati (aka coatu and pizote), another a praying mantis, another I hear a quarreling flock of chacalackas, and almost every night I see a new sunset that I had never seen before.
It’s paradise!