The variety and beauty of the creatures indigenous to the rain forests is amazing. Our guide allows me to get within 2 inches of this poisonous tree frog for the photo. I probably should have inquired if they can jump or not.

 We discovered a serpentarium within walking distance and learned more about venomous snakes, frogs, and spiders than is wise when you will be spending the better part of the next week in the jungles where they live.

Costa Rica has millions of dogs, mostly tiny, running freely everywhere. Maya attempts, nearly successfully, to meet every one of them. Here, she befriends Chantal and Zigfreid (so named by Maya and Nicoali).

The presence of butterflies is said to indicate a healthy ecosystem. I found this Monarch and a bunch of his friends just outside the cabinas.

The north side of the one-room cabina features a picture window offering a perfect view of the volcano’s lava fields. Arenal’s cauldren remains shrouded in clouds most of the time, and we are a little disappointed that we cannot see the peak.

We drive for several more hours before reaching our destination in El Castillo, where we have reserved two cabinas that are perfectly situated to observe Volcan Arenal, the largest of three active volcanos in Costa Rica.

By the time we reach the volcano, the afternoon clouds have set in. We elect to continue on rather than stumbling about in the mist. It is not long before we come across mist of a different kind. Please note the total lack of safety railing seperating my children (those little specs in the photo) from a combination bath, shower and whirlpool. You quickly learn here that your safety is in your own hands. Click on the image for a bigger view.

This morning, we head out for the Volcan (volcano) Poas and in little time encounter bulls of a more authentic variety. The cart features traditional Costa Rican decorations and the owner is happy to allow a photograph for a small donation. Although English is widely spoken here, we rely on Kyle heavily for translation when the need arises. Jeanine, armed with her Spanish dictionary and ear for language is soon an able communicator as well. I am surprised by how much Spanish I understand and how strangely I am viewed when I respond in broken French.

Other than its proximity to the airport, our hotel is most distinguished by this cleverly painted bull that greets visitors.

This morning we left for the airport at 3:15AM and the temperature was 8°F. If not for the anticipation of a tropical Costa Rican adventure, I do not know that we could have mustered the will to depart at such an hour into such conditions. We flew first to Philadelphia, pictured here at sunrise, then to Charlotte, NC and finally onto San Jose where we arrived by late afternoon. We rented a stick-shift 4×4 SUV equiped with a GPS navigator (the very best money we spent). For all its beauty, the roads of Costa Rica are not for the faint hearted and the universal lack of road signage a real impediment to going it on you own. Our first night was spent in Alejuela, close to the airport where we recovered from the day long journey.

A last look at winter before the family heads for a warmer climate. We leave the house at 3AM for a 5:30AM flight to Costa Rica. We will not have access to the internet so the blog will not be updated until we return. Wishing all our friends and family a joyous holiday season and happy New Year.

As of 5PM, the snow fall since Friday totals 17 inches (as measured with a yardstick on the deck). Neither parent could be coerced into driving anywhere today resulting in an epedemic of cabin fever. Kyle offered to pay his brother $5 if he would stand outside without his shirt on for one and a half minutes after being doused with a glass of cold water. Despite a powerful imagination, I am unable to understand what would inspire such a pay for entertainment stunt. Maya happily manned the timer and I tried to get close enough for a photo. Nicolai endured the water torture so well that Kyle decided to up the ante by kicking snow on him rationalizing that this was just another form of water. Nico survived and attempted to charge an additional $5 for the snow treatment. In the end the original deal was honored and everyone seemed satisfied except Jeanine who thought the whole thing was ridiculous and chastised me for permitting such insanity.

Since we will be in Costa Rica for Christmas, the kids cooked up a batch of Zeppole Balls, a Calabria holiday food tradition. These honey covered, sprinkle encrusted, fried pieces of dough probably have a more universally accepted name but it is unlikely we will ever call them anything else.

Kyle has been driving for some time, but today was his first in the snow. He adjusted his speed accordingly and did a fine job. The roads in Concord remain treacherous as the snow continues to come down throughout the day. Kyle, Chloe, and two of her girl friends took the train into Boston to visit the Museum of Natural History.

Today we woke up to about ten inches of snow as had been predicted. Everyone teased me when I purchased a snowblower with tank treads and fitted it with a cabin, but on days like today, I just smile as I carve through the snow.

 
I have fashioned something of a photo studio into a corner of my workshop. It is cramped for sure but having my lights set up permanently is a major luxury and will save me a lot of time in the future.

Jeanine needed a headshot for a marketing brochure for her business. Finally an opportunity to photograph the face I know and love best. She was a reasonably cooperative subject but a lousy tipper.

 In no time the tree is looking fit for the season. A very nice end to a productive weekend. Jeanine took a food preparation safety class followed by the state’s SafeServe exam yesterday. I sectioned off a portion of my wood shop to create a not too shabby photography studio.

Nico and Izze got the tree lights to work while Nala looks on. I wonder what a dog thinks about Christmas tree lights.

This evening we were joined by Izze (I am now spelling it correctly), Chloe, and her mother Rhonda for a nice lasagna dinner. The kids decorated the Christmas tree and we enjoyed the first fire of the season. Jeanine permitted me exactly one photo so that our food would be served hot. It was a long exposure and a few of us moved a little.

I spent the day organizing my workshop and photographing dozens of items to be sold on Craig’s List. It is nice to convert unused items into cash, but it is even more satisfying when I think of it in terms of the recycling benefit. Most items I sold today were priced between $5 and $20 dollars which doesn’t even cover my time for creating the adds but ensures that these items will get put to good use by someone. This miter saw was the one big ticket item and I sold it for two thirds of the original price after more than ten years of use. Not bad.

 
A very beautiful couple I think.

After the play Chloe and Kyle let me photograph them. I have cleared some space in my workshop to fashion something of a photo studio.

This evening Nicolai participated in a performance of The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever. The production was staged by his his church youth group. Nico demonstrated a real aptitude for acting, no doubt a trait he inherited from his mother. A full set of photos can be found by following this link.

 A simple photo of my favorite daughter.

Maya created these confectionary masterpieces for an upcoming cookie exchange. Unless they are hidden until then, it is unlikely that any will remain for the swap.

If you carefully examine this image which could otherwise be an abstract painting you will discover something edible.

Nicolai’s project for French class nears completion. Makes me want to jump on a plane destined for Paris.

Maya and her teammates won their U10 Girls Indoor Soccer League championship this evening. Little Warrior was the name given to Maya by her coach at the end of the season.