BLACK FRIDAY & CYBER MONDAY SALE

Black Friday & Cyber Monday SALE has begun at Tuscan Road Designs...25% OFF Entire Shop at tuscanroad.etsy.com...Use Coupon Code "Tuscan"

November's Birthstone is CITRINE

The name Citrine comes from the French "citron", or "lemon", for its color, and is actually a type of Quartz. Most Citrine today is actually heat-treated Amethyst. Natural Citrine is not common and occurs in lighter hues than the heat-treated material.

In ancient times, Citrine was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts.Today it is valued for the treatment of depression and is said to eliminate self-destructive tendencies. It is also purported to stimulate memory and aid digestion. Citrine symbolizes light-heartedness, joy, happiness, wisdom and peace and is said to enhance creativity and motivate writers.

JASPER

The name Jasper means 'spotted stone'. It is generally an opaque stone which can be found in many colors including red, brown, pink, yellow, green, grey, white and shades of blue and purple. Jasper stones are usually multi colored, striped or spotted and the color of the stone depends on the type of mineral that permeates the rock.

There are many myths and legends that surround jasper, due to its popularity spanning many centuries.
'Flower' Jasper is said to lift spirits, soothe a broken heart (by activating the heart chakra) and help one break out of depression. It is also claimed that Jasper is known to sustain and support in times of stress. Some say it gives you the courage to speak out and the bravery to achieve personal independence. This stone also aids in quick-thinking, promotes organizational abilities, and sees projects through. A powerhouse of a gemstone, jasper is said to stimulate the imagination and transform ideas into actions.

Etsy's Guide To Facebook

Great Etsy blog post about your Facebok Fan Page.....It's all about forging connections, sharing interesting info, promoting your shop and having fun.
Check it out here:

http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/etsys-guide-to-facebook/

Day 13: Boquete Back to Panama City

Ok, I am sad. It's hard to say goodbye to such a serene and lovely place. For the past four days, it has felt like we have been living at the home of a long lost friend. We have been welcomed with open arms and much generosity here at Manana Madera Coffee Estate. For anyone who would like an exquisite and relaxing experience, I would highly recommend this little slice of heaven.
I just can't resist a comfortable hammock...this time in the Ranchito.

Yesterday we took a little day trip over to Los Lojas Beach on the Pacific side....6 miles of unspoiled beach. Since it was a Monday, we were the only ones there, free to pick up beautiful shells and enjoy the low tide where we could walk out 1/4 mile before putting our feet in the water.

Today we fly back to Panama City for one last night there before our return home.
This is the sunset we experienced last night...a beautiful sendoff. They call it "Pinky"....

Day 10: Made In The Shade

Boquete is coffee country, but as you look around and scan the hillsides, all you see are shady trees, particularly oranges. If it is a coffee farm, you'll see tall shrubs below and around the trees...coffee.
Here is Randy and Jamies house, surrounded by lush fruit trees (banana, orange, lemon, avocado) and tons of coffee...

We got a first hand tour and education today from Randy about the whole process from growing to bagging. The coffee here is Arabica and Randy has a blend of four types. He harvests from November to February, and he only picks them when they turn purple.

They are then sun-dried and he stores them in large burlap bags for up to 7 months. At different stages, he takes them out, puts them thru a separater, then roasts them. The formula he uses for roasting is an exact science, making all the difference in a great or not-so-great coffee. He receives this formula from professional "cuppers", who he pays every year to come out and rate the coffee.
Here's Randy happily explaining his passion...

As true coffee connoisseurs in Boquete will point out, dark roasts are often used to mask low-quatity coffee. Gourmet coffees tend to get a lighter roast, allowing as they say here is Boquete, to "taste the coffee, not the roast".

Day 9: Bocas del Toro to Boquete

After leaving Isla Popa, we spent one night on Bocas del Toro so we could get an early start the next morning to our next destination...Boquete.
Here is our goodbye to Bocas:

And Hello to Boquete...known as the city of eternal spring, this gorgeous highland destination enjoys an enviably scenic location on the eastern flank of Volcan Baru, Panama's only volcano, long extinct. Roads lined with every imaginable flowering shrub hearld a world of exquisite beauty. Coffee estates abound due to the high elevation and perfect year round climate temperatures of 68 to 78 degrees. We are spending our time here at the Manana Madera Coffee Estate, where they grow and process a small specialty reserve coffee...one of the most delicious coffees I've tasted yet.

It is owned by a wonderful American couple, Randy & Jamie, who said goodbye to the corporate life in Texas four years ago, moved here, bought this gorgeous piece of heaven, built their home for $28.00 per square foot and became coffee farmers. Part of their house includes this guest house where we are staying for 4 nights. It has its own entrance, a luxurious bedroom, bath and living/dining area with all the amenities and an incredible view of their property. This is our view as we dine each morning on chef Randy's fabulous breakfast....

....And we are always in the company of the ever present "Chubs" their sad-eyed, very large pup.

They also have a beautiful "Ranchita" where we can sit and enjoy sunrises and the view.

It has been cloudy and drizzling rain, but where else can you be at 5000 feet, with rain forest, tropical flowers, pine trees and a minimum temp of 68 degrees!!
Tomorrow Randy is going to give us a start-to-finish tour of the whole plantation and process, so that will be my next blog.
See you then....