Bananas Everywhere

I am so easily thrilled, happy and entertained these days. As long as stress does not come with it I'm a happy gal.

Several people have asked me for directions on how I make my smoothies every day. I took some pictures to help with that.

I am just a lucky duck! All my bananas have been free. They grow everywhere in Costa Rica in almost everyone's yards. My friends, George and Aija Lundquest, have several acres to their property with many many banana trees. I am the beneficiary of bunches!

When I get the bananas they are sticky and sandy feeling. Just dirty from hanging on the trees. There are no pesticides used, so you can't get any more natural. First thing is put them in the sink, still on the stalk, and get them washed.

Next I peel and cut them into about 2-3" pieces and place them inside a freezer bag. It is so much fun to open my own freezer door and see it full of beautiful bananas ready for my smoothie.

Next I cut a papaya in half and scrape all the seeds out. I grab the natural unflavored yogurt, get 6-8 banana slices from my freezer bag, scoop the meat of one half papaya into the blender along with the yogurt and bananas, add orange juice just about midway of the ingredients in the blender. Put the top on the blender (that's a reminder for anyone has enjoyed the thrill of forgetting to put it on) and you have the best smoothie you have ever drunk in your life!

As I was saying, I am easily amused these days. I got a super thrill this morning. MY banana tree has a "banana heart" which means I have my own bananas growing in my yard! I am so excited. I noticed the heart and the bananas already growing in my neighbor's yard yesterday and was so jealous. I cannot believe I am going to have my very own bananas!

This is my neighbor's trees. You can see the purple heart has already dropped, and the green bananas are growing right above it.

This is my tree. The purple heart has just shown itself. Soon it will drop and the bananas will follow.

Pura Vida!