THE BIRTHDAY GIRL IS AT IT AGAIN

Remember the Birthday Bash for Stef we had last year?    Well.....
it got bigger this year!! 

With all that has gone on this year with health issues, we really didn't get involved with too many events. In fact, we cancelled our annual St Patrick's Day Party this year because Stef was just not feeling up to it, and I felt about the same. 

HOWEVER...
On August 9, 2014

Stef recently finished her 6th and final Chemo treatment and started to feel much better. Today, was her Birthday, and it seemed appropriate that a celebration was in order. I sent out some invitations to some of our Atenas friends to meet at the Guanacaste Restaurant at 6:00 PM. Well, would you believe it, but about 40 friends decided to celebrate with us, and it was a grand time.

                                                                                                                                                                      

 When we got there at about 6 PM, this is what it looked like.

 Many had already arrived!

Now, there should be no need to remind you about our official Social Director.....The lovely and talented..... MERCEDES

 

And,

the delicious Chocolate Birthday Cakes she brought  that are known all over Atenas to be the best cake one could ever put into their mouth. She brought 2 for this occasion in order to make sure everyone got to savor a taste of their delicious goodness.

This gives you only a small idea of all the happy faces that were there to  help celebrate

 After the meals were over, we started on the dessert with the help of Harold & Lisa. Here I am with Lisa and Mercedes (Harold was passing out pieces of cake to some demanding patrons)

And then, someone mentioned Tequila shots. Think it was Melani. Yep, here she is

This prompted our man Marco

 to get more up on the bar

And, he never disappoints us

Stef was looking and feeling pretty happy at this time, and she deserved it

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ONE VERY SPECIAL WOMAN, AND THE LOVE OF MY LIFE

SHE WILL BE BACK AGAIN NEXT YEAR!!!!

Amanda's First Visit in a Long Time

Remember our daughter Amanda? She is our youngest and came here several years ago and stayed with us for quite a while. She then moved back to Denver where she has been living since. 

Well, this gal loved Costa Rica quite a bit, and decided to bring her Beau here to check it out. Also, it gave him a chance to see what this fun-loving girl's parents were really like. 

They arrived early in the morning on July 3rd and went non-stop from there. Took a trip to Jaco Beach, partied with us a couple of times,  and then later to the Nicoya Peninsula for a few days. Over-all, it was a 10 day trip, and believe me - they made the most of it.

I put together this short slide show to give you an idea of some of the events that took place during their stay. I hope that you will enjoy it.

After they returned to Denver, the young man bought her a ring - guess we passed the test :-)

Postings

Pete & Stef in the 90's

It has been pretty obvious that I haven't posted very much during the last 6 months. Part of the reason is that I got obsessed with FaceBook and started putting a lot of posts on there. Yes, it is a way of instant mass communication, but it is not complete communication. However, that is going to drastically slow down for various reasons and more efforts put into this blog.

Additionally, and probably most importantly - Stef was recently diagnosed with a major medical problem that has absorbed much of my time - And, that is not going to ever stop because I love her so dearly.

In spite of this,- In the very near future,  you will begin to see more posts from me regarding our adventures in Costa Rica. I will also make a concerted effort to do some catching up on some of the past things we have done.

Thank you for your patience

THE 2014 ATENAS CHARITY CHILI COOK-OFF

February 9, 2014

WHAT A SUCCESS!!!

Last year, the event had over 1,700 attendees and raised a total of $20,000 for the kids at Hogar de Vida - This was an outstanding accomplishment thanks to the many people involved and the outpouring of generosity from many, many people. However, it is difficult to imagine what happened this year:

MANY GREAT SPONSORS  ALONG WITH OVER 2,000 ATTENDEES, AND A FANTASTIC COMMITTEE WHO PUT IT ALL TOGETHER WITH THE SUPPORT OF MANY WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS - THE END RESULT....

$34,000 

YES, THAT IS CORRECT - A WHOPPING 

$34,000 US DOLLARS!!!

This was an outstanding accomplishment. Stef worked really hard on this as Chairperson for the second year in a row. However, due to an unexpected medical situation at the last minute, she had to turn her responsibilities over to Judy Timson. Judy took the reins and made it happen. Congratulations to Stef, Judy and the entire team for an outstanding piece of work because:

IT'S FOR THE KIDS!!!

And, your efforts are sincerely appreciated.

Now, we have just been informed that - the pole has officially been raised for next year!!

This is a link to some pictures we just received:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/115064206@N08/sets/72157640741798875/

And, a Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WqmhIkF-THM

More pictures and details to follow:

What a Great Hospital!!!

Costa Rica was recently chosen for being

 #4 in the World for Excellent Health Care

And, I can give you a perfect example of why........

It was time for Stef to take her annual physical. For some reason, she wanted to do this at Hospital Catolica on the north side of San Jose.                       

In the process, some concerns came up from the results of her mammogram, and more tests had to be performed. They also suggested that she see a specialist at the hospital. His name was Dr, Medina who spoke English and had all kinds of diplomas from US medical schools on his wall. I got very concerned about the urgency they put on the subject and got my friend Dr. Roy Mora involved  to help with consulting.so we would have a better grasp on what was happening. (remember Dr Roy? selected as the top medical scientist in Costa Rica by the President?) 

Dr Roy receiving the award from President Laura Chinchilla 

This is Dr. Medina. At first, Stef said he did not have a good bedside manner - But, he is truthful and will get right to the point - After getting to know him a bit, she really liked him - And, knowing Stef, she even started talking to him about coming to the Atenas Chili Cook Off :-)

DR. DANILO MEDINA ANGULO 

Especialidad:

GINECOLOGÍA ONCOLÓGICA
GINECOLOGÍA Y OBSTÉTRICIA

Títulos académicos: 

Médico Cirujano General
Ginecólogo Obstetra
Ginecólogo Oncólogo
                                            Máster en Gerencia Servicios de Salud

After the additional testing had been completed, Drs Medina and Roy explained to Stef that she had breast cancer and that one would have to be removed immediately. Two days later, she was in the operating room having the surgery done. Two days after that, she was released from the hospital.

All I can say is that these doctors saw an immediate need and acted quickly. This was a good decision on their part because a year earlier, there was no cancer and it spread very fast. 

Dr Madina and the entire hospital staff were absolutely outstanding. I don't think that she could have received better care anywhere else. In the US, this operation would have cost in excess of $50,000. The complete cost here was less than $10,000, and this included everything right up to a two day stay in a fantastic private room.

The results of the surgery were that Stef would not require radiation and would need 6 chemo treatments. Now, another price comparison - I heard that in the US, this would cost at least $10,000 per session. She is getting it done for less than $2,000 - And, in another first class facility.

Based on what I have seen of the doctors and medical facilities in this situation, I have only one thing to say:

AM I GLAD THAT THIS HAPPENED IN COSTA RICA!!

The medical professionals here make it obvious that -- THEY CARE

Will keep you updated on Stef's progress