On Iguana Poop, Fishing, Writing & Yoga

Somethings just don't happen in Alexandria, VA. Like 40 pound iguanas scaling to the top of a tree that overhangs one's swimming pool and then dropping their poop into said pool. Just doesn't happen in Virginia. Happens here though. Just did yesterday, in fact.

As mentioned in the last blog, we went deep sea fishing. Set to be a four hour tour with Captain Eduardo, a great local fishing guide who is also the dad of a friend of Riley's, we decided to leave Tae at home. Some of you may recall mine and Baker's first fishing expedition back in September, and will be relieved to know that I found some sea-sickness pills prior to going on expedition two. It made all the difference and, as a result, I cannot regale you with tales of nausea and vomit.

Baker pulled in this nice black-fin tuna, which we tossed back...told that they are not great eating. We also pulled in a dorado (mahi-mahi) and a yellow-fin tuna, which was delicious!

At the turn of January, I (Jerry) participated in a week long writing workshop with California poet, Clive Matson. You can check out some of Clive's wonderful poetry here. There were five other writers in the group working on projects from novels to non-fiction books to poetry. I received some wonderful feedback on my screenplay project (tentatively titled "Keep Leaping") that has set me off on draft four. Also, I began work on a second screenplay and penned a couple poems and a short story. It was a great week!

And, that week also led to Tara's first professional gig as a yoga instructor! The hostess of the workshop was looking for a yoga instructor to teach the visitors to her B&B and Tara has stepped beautifully into that role. Today (Feb 24), she will be teaching her ninth or so yoga class. I have thus far only attended one and plan to go to her class tomorrow. She does a wonderful job. Really awesome, from the first stretches, through Warrior and Pigeon to the final Shivasana, she is a perfect guide on your yogic journey!

We have had visitors! Jeff & Caroline Swiatek were here in early February. Jeff is a good friend of mine from college and, even more so, from Hong Kong...we moved there together 20 (!) years ago. Those of you who know Jeff but have not seen him in a while will be interested to know that he looks like this (at least underwater):

Jeff and Caroline's visit was highlighted with Jeff becoming an all-star surfer and Caroline showering, or nearly so, with a crab.

And, we have just been visited this past week by Tara's grandpa, aunt Dayle, and cousin Kaitlyn; and by our good friend Kate Silbaugh and her 10 year old son, Baker. Pics to follow.

Pura vida, maes. (Mae is the always used word here in Nosara, meaning "dude")

Jerry & Tara