And We’re Back

So we’re back in Boulder. Our dear friends Brad, Chandler, Baby O and their dog Honey let us live with them in their home (giving us the master bedroom and lots of cupboard space) for the first 3+ weeks. They even lent us one of their cars when we didn’t have transportation. They had been staying/visiting with us in Costa Rica (and they got married!) for 3 weeks prior to our coming back, so it’s pretty rad that we all still love each other.

So a couple days after getting back to Boulder (which was way too cold at the end of April) we got a car. (Not two, but one. More on that in another post.) She had a couple issue right off the bat (AC didn’t work, the hatchback didn’t close, and a few other things), but they have been fixed. She also is an L.L. Bean Edition, meaning it has some neat features (heated seats, 2 sun/moon roofs, and a great stereo with auxiliary input). Our fingers are crossed we didn’t bring our streak of car problems back with us. She’s not named yet, but if you’ve got a good name for her, let me know.

Many people ask if we’re happy to be back. The truth is  both “no” and “yes.” Our plan was to still be there and if we didn’t have all the car issues, we’d still be there. It has also snowed 6 times since we’ve been back, which just isn’t right. It’s true we have a great community of friends here, but it’s strange coming back after so many experiences and changes to a place that hasn’t changed much. We also miss the beach and our pura vida life, a lot.

There was much from our 7 months that I haven’t posted yet; much adventure, food, and just plain fun with Jim and the girls. We have also been up to a lot since coming back like how we’re trying to transfer our simplistic life from Costa Rica to Boulder, looking for jobs, our gardens, more food, friends, and fun. So check back soon!

Thank Goodness For Visiting Friends and Great Food!

There are some staple grocery items that I could get in Colorado but for the life of me can’t find here (or it costs an arm and a leg). Thankfully we had some guest come visit and with only 24 hours notice, picked up everything we (read I) requested! Here’s the list:

• 2 Bottles Coppertone Sunscreen SPF 8 (Jim’s favorite sunscreen)
• Nutrogena Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 45 (for my face)
• 1 Box of 40 Tampax Tampons (difficult to find and super expensive. maybe because it’s a Catholic country?)
• 1 Jug of Real Maple Syrup
• Pamela’s Baking and Pancake Mix (best pancake mix ever! uses almonds. gluten free but not vegan <sob>)
• Quinoa (excellent grain, tastier than couscous, and full of protein)
• Beau Monde Seasoning (great for tuna fish, though I hope to find some vegan use for it)
• Mrs. Dash Lemon Pepper (also for tuna fish, but it’s just SO good)
• 2 Bags of Raw Almonds (great for snacking, homemade granola, and hopefully for almond milk)

I was so thrilled that I literally danced while making some delicious fresh Pineapple Pancakes with Cinnamon and Maple Syrup! Jim was amused by my exuberance and thoroughly enjoyed this yummy breakfast that tastes much like pineapple upside-down cake. Huge THANK YOU to Heidi for bring us goodies!

A couple days later I made this wonderful Quinoa Pilaf/Salad.

I cooked the Quinoa (which takes no time at all) and then squeezed the juice of one Lime over it and added a little olive oil, some Cumin, Salt, and a bunch of Fresh Ground Pepper. I then added fresh Spinach, Red Bell Pepper and steamed Baby Zucchini and Green Beans. It was comforting, delicious, and made great leftovers for 3 other meals! I did have Jim’s balsamic grilled chicken with it the first couple times, but that isn’t necessary as it’s great and filling on its own.

Added Plus: It’s vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar free, and Jim loves it!