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Firstly, one must get rid of prejudices. I am talking when I find that the older I get the more feminist are my ideas. I have always believed that there are jobs that should be done by women and definitely, those relegated to men. Because of physical differences, I've always believed that there are around-the-house jobs that should definitely be left to men - those jobs that require upper body strength such as vacuuming, floor mopping and window washing. But on the other hand, women can certainly wield a pain brush.

The reason I choose those tasks is that in order to apply the required pressure, the woman t***sfers the stress to the abdomen. I could certainly put up a wall better than my husband (he wasn't too handy in spite of his brilliance).

At my age of 80 I must say I am annoyed with men still trying to score. I passed too many years feeling like a steak rather than being appreciated for my thoughts. Regarding mental work, I still think the female g****r, with the exception of those females who are trained not to think, can easily outdo the male.

In politics, with the exception of those two ditzes, Palin and Michelle what's her name, women can do a better job and would be working for peace. As an example: Warren (she is something else and I admire her in almost every area). In psychological tests the results have shown that when things are difficult, women will join together for strength rather than fighting. That fighting was necessary during the era of the cavemen but diplomacy would work much better today. As President Obama says, "war should be used ONLY as a last resort when diplomacy does not work." This world needs more men like him I can imagine the flack I'll be getting from that comment.

Oh, it is nice to have a door held open for one but I believe that should go both ways. I always hold a door open for anyone who is following me or is struggling with a burden. That's known as humanity.

I admire our President for his vision, empathy and emotional strength. Not too many could stand up to the crap that's been handed to him and still maintain dignity. If he behaved like most in Congress, we would have been at war over two years ago. I am often amazed at the lack of knowledge (as well as common sense) existing in so many of our "leaders."

I don't read Ms Magazine or even Good Housekeeping. I prefer National Geographic and viewing the interesting presentations on TED.com.

By the way, Galena is developing into an absolutely beautiful female. She is still holding onto her color with the exception of two little puffs of white directly behind her ears. Interestingly enough (ready for this?) Mierdito has become extra loving. It took him over two years to become so and he behaves more like a dog. Since you claim to speak Spanish, is it necessary to provide a t***slation of his name? I used the English version and decided it would sound better in Spanish. He is my prime breeder now and has such style with the ladies. Big Red is still trying unsuccessfully. I do wish he'd connect because he is such an exquisite cat.

I do hope you're having a great weekend. ;) ;) ;)

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From what I've learned, Beliz has become quite popular. The living there is cheaper than CR but the living style is different. At least 20 years ago their industry was quite primitive. In case you're interested, the CR government offers free classes in Spanish for expats. There are also international clubs so that you can enjoy speaking your native language with compadres.

There has been, for many years, a super highway straight down the west side of Mexico and into Latin America. It is usually possible to meet others traveling that route in order to make a caravan. The author of one travelog book I've read did say he and his wife took the trip. It is not recommended to travel by night. I was planning to drive the distance as I think it would be interesting just to pass through the other countries on the way. I think I would look for a travel companion.

Regarding the pets, the human is required to have certificates for all the animals'shots.

Oh, I've just started feeding my cats diatomaceous earth. Just sprinkle it on their food (yes, even dry). I had read that it was fed to sheep to keep them free from internal parasites. I also use it on their coats to keep fleas and ticks away. You might want to try it on your dogs. Be careful to order from a good distributor as most of the stuff sold in aquariums is junk. If it doesn't look finer and white than flour, go somewhere else.

I do hope this information helps. Happy Valentine's Day.
:-D :-D ;-) ;-)

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A little side information: Castillian Spanish is not spoken in CR. A rule of thumb is that any word which would (in Spanish) end in "ito" such as momentito, is pronounced as momentico. The natives refer to themselves as Ticos. This was part of an effort to separate CR from Spain. Often, in the morning, people greet each other with "pura vida" which is more like a blessing similar to"aloha" in Hawaii. AND the "usted" form is preferred and not "tu." They are very polite people.

I don't know if this small lesson pleases you, but you got it. In Texas the Spanish spoken is mainly border Spanish and could never be understood by a Spaniard.

Pura Vida! :D :D :D

Hello Alicia,
What Mr Riddle has been saying is not how this system has been working.
The gov is NOT giving the less fortunate a "hand up" and out of poverty....they are giving them a "hand out" and want to suppress their chances of EVER getting out of the system for mere "controlling" purposes.
Mind you, that may have been their original intentions, but that is not the case any longer.
A prime example of how this welfare system should work is Dr. Ben Carson. He is against what the Dems are doing now and emphasizes the "hand-up" system which brings the poor out of poverty instead of keeping them in it as s***es to the gov and a strain on the purse-strings.