In January when the Trade Winds blow into the Central Valley of Costa Rica, I am never amazed at their force. Blow and blow and blow. Trees bend; roofs rattle; hair styles are shot; cars shake; and dust is everywhere. It like living with the winds of a tornado that never touches down.

For the past three years, my son has not been able to sleep because of all the dust in the air. He’s just getting over a cold that’s lasted for five weeks. I jam him full fruits, vegetables, and even sneak ginger and garlic in his food in hopes he’ll finally sleep through the night. A few months ago, my mother brought down that door/sealer stuff to put between the door and frame. I stuck it on yesterday in hopes of keeping more of the dust out of Addison’s bedroom. When I finished putting it on, I patted myself on the back for thinking ahead - a job well done. When I closed the door, it wouldn’t shut.

About a week earlier, I moved those troublesome guinea pigs to the balcony, which of course opens from the door I now cannot shut. Three times a day it’s my daughter’s responsibility to give these critters some sort of leafy green vegetable. The two of us pushed on the door until we could get the lock to catch. She thinks she can shut it on her own. If she can’t, huge amounts of dust and wind will blow right into the room.

I’m never quite sure if thinking ahead saves me time and energy or causes me more grief. I’ve been bound and determined to get my new house set up and finished. You know, no "unfinished" little tasks hanging around to gnaw at my nerves. Then all will be perfect, tidy, and organized, right?! Hmmm….I better think this one through.