Chocolate

Well I don't much about planting chocolate, but I do know a thing or two about eating it. Abel, a local native american from the gnobe buge tribe (prononced like "no bay boo gay) is teaching us how to grow cocoa trees. We are planting 15 cocoa trees once the seeds take root in the bucket. I asked him if he had any Reeses Pieces seeds, but my question must of been lost in the translation, he just gave me a funny look :)

These pods grow on the side of the tree and are filled with the seeds that are covered in a yogurt type substance. I had to take this photo off the internet, stupid me forgot to take a picture of the pod before we cracked it open.

The seeds inside the pod.

Abel showing us how to plant the seeds. He says start them in a bucket, leave them for about one month then transfer into the ground.

Banana tree

About 5 months ago Stan planted 3 banana trees between the cabanas. They are coming in really well. Can't wait until we actually have the fruit :)





























Look a new banana, oh wait, that's just Stan :)

Safe and Sound in Bocas del Toro

Quick Update from the Chews...


My first workday is done.



Stan and I cooling down from the long hot day.


The view from our room in Panama City, Panama. We stayed here just one night before heading out to Bocas. The city is huge!

The view from the top porch

Well after driving from MN to NH, then flying from NH to Florida, then waiting an extra few days in Florida for new bank cards (the bank totally screwed up our bank cards) an overnight in Panama City we are finally here in Bocas Del Toro. Here are a few photos for ya all.

Hummingbird, right outside our front door

Not sure what type of bird this is, but there are loads of them around the house

Panama Feb 2009

Stan and I have just returned from our trip to Bocas Del Toro. We had a few objectives for this trip which included house details, surfing for Stan and relaxation for me. The trip was a success.

The weather was a little on the rainy side but it was still warm and tropical. Stan was able to get a couple of surf sessions in, we wrapped up details on windows and doors for the house and I was able to get a couple of days in the pool :) mission accomplished!

It was great to see the house in person - this project has been a slow mover but none the less it is moving and we were both happy with how far it has come.

Although I do love our home in MN, after seeing the potential in Panama, I am excited to get things underway.

This is one of my favorite photos, although in my excitement I cut off the front of the cayuco. This guy was out catching fish, he had a small leak in his cayuco so had to continually pan out water while he was paddling.

The Panamanian Cayuco
In the Republic of Panama, a cayuco is a vessel carved from the trunk of a tree, used mainly, but not exclusively by the indigenous people of this country. In 1954, these vessels were adopted by the American Explorer Scouts of the former Panama Canal Zone to make the first Ocean to Ocean Cayuco Race across the Panama Canal, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

We had to stop for gas at one of the islands and saw this cayuco - Check out the size - that was one big Tree Trunk. This next picture is the view just to the right of the huge cayuco...so beautiful here

On our boat trip out to Cayo de Agua we stopped at this little restaurant - called the Coral Cay - Excellent food!



Thai shrimp in coconut milk


Pictures of Playa Tortuga - This is where we stayed.

On Hold - have 2 offers now that we are going to conatct - thanks - Lopi Wood Stove - For Sale - Location Stillwater MN

In order to put down new wood floors in our living and dining area we have decided to remove our lovely wood stove. If you or anyone you know is interested please let use know.

It is a Lopi Endeavor and only about 5 years old. It is wonderful little stove and looking for a new home. New - this stove runs around $800.00 - $1,000.00, but for a short time only this stove can be yours for a bargain price of $250.00. Included is what you see in the picture. Stove and indoor stove pipe. And you have to provide pick up...sorry no deliveries.

Here is a link to the Lopi Website if you'd like to read more about the dimensions and details of this Stove. http://www.lopi.com.au/Wood%20Products/endevour.html

Christmas Tree

This year for Christmas Stan and I did something we have never done before - And hey, we are always looking for "firsts" in our relationship, keeps it fun! Sooo now that we have a new window in our kitchen with a view into our backyard we decided to put up Christmas lights on a scrappy old pine tree which otherwise doesn't get much attention.

The husband did a fabulous job assembling the lines of lights in very merry order. This was done while standing on a ladder with a homemade pole which he cleverly designed to assist in proper light placement. I did my best to hold the ladder still and assure a non tangled environment.
















Several trips to the store, 10 strings of lights, multiple light sockets and 2 extensions cords later, we had finally finished it. Here is a photo of the final product! Wow, we couldn't believe how much it lit up the yard! It was a hit with the neighbors and we love to see this out our kitchen window :)

Florida trip

Stan and I made a quick trip to Florida to help ring in his mom's 80th Birthday. Her actual bday is not until December but it was much easier to assemble the family during October.

Most of the Chew family was there with the exception of a few, but we still had a good time and it was great catching up with everyone. I have added all the photos from our trip in a separate album but here is a small sampling.

The Girls

The Birthday Girl!


Stan and his brother John

The Lovely Samantha!

Fantastic baked goods from Carol!



Game of Scrabble - Samantha smoked the group!