We managed to bring in 13,000lbs of coffee cherries last week and 9,000lbs of corn. It’s been hard work and the men have worked tirelessly. Up at 5am, toiling all day, taking turns sleeping with the coffee and corn, and working the past two Sundays. They do it all with a smile. I keep them plied in coffee, pastries, Juana’s beans, and the occasional pizza.
We bagged Monday and Tuesday's beans as they passed the dryness test yesterday with cousin Licito’s humidity tester. The burlap sacks will now be stored in the hacienda where they can stay dry and protected. I imagine by the time harvest is over, the sacks will spill out of the corridor and into the bedrooms and living room.
Beto took a sample of the corn to Usulutan yesterday so the buyer could inspect it. It also passed the dryness test and we have arranged for a large truck to haul it away tomorrow. There are over 90 sacks sitting behind the house. We normally squirrel away the corn and sell it later in the year at the higher price. This year, we need the sale in order to cover the cost of the coffee harvest. A few dollars less, but we are grateful to have it.
The earthquakes have started up again. Most are small gentle tremblers barely worth taking note of. On Friday, we had a 3.1 that brought out the critters that hide behind these old walls. As hard as I try, I cannot eradicate every creature that prefers the house to the jungle. For some reason, the quakes disturb their nests, and they come running to pay me a visit. Which is how I managed to get bit once again by a scorpion. A few hours after the quake, I was walking through my bedroom in flip flops when I felt a horrific sting in the arch of my foot. I screamed, Evers came running, and we spent five minutes on our hands and knees with a flashlight until we found the little devil. Evers slashed him into a hundred pieces with his machete while I monitored my bite. Okay, lots of pain, but only a little numbness….I’ll live. I spent the weekend hobbling around with a tender foot, and by Sunday afternoon, I was fine. I think I’m developing a resistance to the toxin.
Yesterday morning, I noticed a small burlap bag that I keep on the floor by the window had been moved. I was about to grab it when I saw something dark and furry behind it. Taking a careful peek, I found a very large tarantula. Could I be getting used to all this? I forgot to scream as I was more impressed that he had managed to move the bag (which gives you some indication of his size). I called for Vigil who showed up with a broom. His eyesight is poor and he missed several times sending the spider fleeing in all directions. Now I was worried we would lose sight of him and I would not be able to sleep in my room. I called for Evers who at 22, has excellent eyesight. He made quick work of the spider, again, slashing him in little pieces. I really don't know why they insist on making mincemeat other than they enjoy watching all the bits jump around. I read that this that happens because messages to move sent by the brain, are still pulsating in the dismembered parts. It only stops when the electrical pulse gives out. Explanations aside, I told Ever's from now on, to take all spiders and scorpions outside where I don't have to watch. It's enough to give one a good old-fashioned nightmare.
It is sometimes stressful to live with these kind of creatures. I never walk barefoot, never reach for anything in dark corners, shake out my clothes before putting them on, and keep a constant vigil everywhere I go. It is not exactly an inviting attraction for potential guests!
Ever’s wife Marisol is only 6 weeks away from her due date. She had a serious fall not long ago while out working in their bean field. She spent a few days in the hospital and recovered, but we all told Evers to keep her away from the fields. She and their daughter Wendy still come to visit us on the finca most days to bring Evers lunch. We are all hoping for an easy delivery since she is such a tiny thing.
I am joining the Women’s Coffee Alliance, a non-for-profit organization consisting of women coffee producers. They pool their harvest together and are able to sell it at a higher market price. Each producer contributes $2.00 per quintale which goes towards building homes for families in need. I can’t think of a better group to be a part of.
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