Feb 2007

We had a big crowd, about 150 people, on February 3rd--our one year anniversary of the Black Sheep—we grossed over $1000 which was a big thrill and we are learning a lot. We had two bartenders and a Cajun cook. We were out of all our draft beer at 9:30 and our back-ups were not cold. We ran out of food —only a handful of people brought side dishes so we will be charging next time. Our next party will be Saint Patrick’s Day. Corned beef and cabbage for $2/plate, Irish car bombs, and maybe some Irish cocktails—let me know if you know of any.

Our Galloper is not drivable. We are looking into either getting it fixed or selling it and getting a quad. These are the all terrain vehicles that most people who live here eventually get. I rode on the back of one the other day and it seemed fine. My friend Eileen is visiting for two months from Kansas—she just left to go traveling but she will be back. She is in our best guest room and Jim, who has been living in Nosara for years, is occupying the other. Our 3rd guest house needs work but we do have people staying there also on a one night basis.

I am beginning the process of getting back to the states to make money. I am aiming for New York City for April so I can see my family and friends in the northeast. My nephew, James is almost 2 and I have not seen him yet. So, send me good vibes so I land a job and a place to stay in NYC. If NY does not work out, I will try to go back to CA. It is very difficult going back and forth. But for now it is necessary.

The weather continues warm and dry. This is the best season. The skies are blue, the clouds are white and the breezes are warm. We love our year round garden and outdoor kitchen. I am still working on my Spanish. My main problem now seems to be my pronunciation—people don’t understand me. I think my woman’s health fundraising group may help since it will eventually be in Spanish as well as English and I think the content of the group may keep me motivated.

We had an article in the Voice of Nosara on the Black Sheep Pub (I wrote it). I will try to put it on the blog—the pics were great and I will try to send them. The Black Sheep Pub is one of a kind in Costa Rica—we are the vanguard --Joe is toying with the idea of a Black Sheep franchise!!

Write back. Stay in touch. Love, Joe and Helena