POSTCARDS FROM PANAMA

Long time, no see - sorry!

2015-06-18T09:22:00.004-05:00

My mind often seems to be elsewhere, and although I mentally compose a new blog, I haven't sat down to write. Sorry, Constant Reader...mea culpa.

I kinda think rainy season is here, but cannot be sure. The weather and the wind seem to change almost daily. A week back, we had terrific thunderstorms over a few nights. One seemed to hang overhead for hours, and kept us awake a lot of that night. The grass is loving this! Coming in fresh and bright green, and plants are growing, not withering. We are trying to get the dripping shower for the pool fixed, and it is (as usual) taking a lot of time. Our builder has agreed to fix the septic field after a few calls from our lawyer! Apparently they never installed a leach field...what d'ya know. So this should all get done before we get that offer...

Otherwise, life trickles on, me never knowing what day it is, and Chris busily maintaining all. He likes being busy - retirement suits him fine, but he loves his "busyness" every morning. Those afternoon dips in the pool are smashing...the only way to fully cool down. In a few weeks, I will be off to Canada for the summer visit plus various medical appointments. No return ticket yet as I have no idea when I can come back.

Panama living never really changes...it is as beautiful, calm, yet frustrating as ever! We heard our favourite shopping mecca, El Rey in Chitre, was to close, but then discovered it is actually moving over to where the Novey is. Two visits to favoured shops in one go! The US/Canada exchange rate continues to alarm us with no indications of any changes. Makes life a whole lot tougher for us Canadians with pensions! Still, we manage to feed those precious cats - all ten now! Our own two, Fredi and her growing brood of four gorgeous babies, plus three from earlier litters. Time to get the act together and neuter the lot! Animal Advocates here has said they will help us.

Chris' hat makes a comfy bed...

Is that a camera again?

Belly up to the bar, boys

No fighting...although the space is a little tight

So, onward ho - there's nowhere to go but up! Ciao...

Rain? What rain?

2015-05-31T15:52:00.000-05:00

A week of pleasant weather with only a couple of brief showers . Temperatures hover around mid-eighties with humidity at 64% or so. Rainy season is yet to arrive!

Last Wednesday we spent a pleasant visit with Tim and Cathy - floated around their pool with a drink, enjoyed a delicious lasagna with salad and buns, then laughed ourselves silly again playing Wizard. Tim won both games (as usual) and although I held my own in the first game, I sank miserably for the second one. I will buy that game on my next trip home! Then to find some crazies like us to play...

On Friday, our TV decided to play silly buggers, and kinda packed in. The day before the FA Cup final at Wembley... AAAAGH! Chris whipped off to Smiley's Restaurant on Saturday morning to find the game not on. He asked John (owner) about it and John even went home to get a USB thingy so he could watch. Chris was the only spectator there, and managed two beers to accompany Arsenal's great 4-0 win over Aston Villa. Two years in a row - next year, the Cup and the League title boys!

That same evening, we were off to Ted and Tina's to help celebrate Cathy's upcoming birthday on Tuesday. Nice wine, Ted cooked thick juicy hamburgers, and Texas beans (yummies) and there were salads, chicken wings, twice baked potatoes, buns, breads, and finally cupcakes. A tasty dinner and good conversation. Just 10 of us, but a pleasant time for all...

Up at 4:30 am on Sunday, we drove Tom and Theresa to the bus in Chitre. They are back to Toronto after a whirlwind visit of barely two weeks. I will miss them - Theresa and I have lively and deep talks. So, a new week starts, and the word is that the folks who looked over the house may be truly interested. The price is bargain basement, and anyone buying stands to make a whack of money within the next two years! If all went well, Chris and the cats could be winging home along with me in July! I am looking forward to this coming trip. It may be a long one, depending very much on what the Cardiologist tells me.

The garden here is slowly recovering from its beating. Needs that rain steady over several days to truly look good again though. The way everything grows once it rains regularly is almost miraculous. I swore last year I could hear the plants straining as they stretched!

Rain?

2015-05-24T15:15:00.002-05:00

Today, light showers with thunder; lots of lightning at night, but have we reached rainy season? The wind is changing for sure, but everything remains so dry! The humidity is driving us all nuts...

All cats are present and correct - the little ones are getting so much bigger, soon they will match their mother for size. They are so skittish, and so beautiful. I long to pick them up and stroke their little selves. Mitzi goes crazy twice a day, especially if one of the older kittens gets in the house (usually Tobi). She's quite a laugh, but absolutely wacko! We do relish her mad moments, and I just sing "Wild Thing" and laugh along.

We have had three enquiries this past week about our house. One nice couple from Georgia took a look and declared the house lovely, but no offer? The others are out-of-towners dealing with agent Jon from afar. Fingers crossed, even though we will lose a whack of moolah.

The exchange rate is around 80% right now; still not good for us, but better than 70% or less, for sure! We budget on a monthly basis now. In Canada, we expect to be more settled and financially stable. No debts would be nice!

With our pals Tom and Theresa here for a couple of weeks, we are lapping up ice cream from time to time. A delicious treat. Tom loves his ice cream - we should coat him with it...so time moves on slowly enough, and yet the weeks roll by quickly, and we are getting impatient for the next phase of our lives together...I'm supposedly off to Canada in mid-June, but would delay three weeks if an offer arrived on our Monday morning doorstep. Hint!

Rainy season almost upon us

2015-05-17T15:19:00.001-05:00

The past week has remained humid and uncomfortable for many of us. The wind periodically changes direction; sometimes a few drops of rain fall; we all need the rain!I think many gringos prefer rainy season for many reasons. It is a little cooler and often less humid; everything stays so green and lush; the air feels less heavy; it is a good reason to stay in and goof off!

The pool temp reached 35C and has now dropped to 30 degrees. I test with my elbow every day - it has been so like the baby's tub. Not at all refreshing. No crabs or frogs right now, but they will come - they always do. We were warned on our first year here to beware the rains - all the little creatures would be seeking higher ground. And they did!

My plans to whip home for medical appointments etc. are completed. Sorry that Chris is not coming again! However, he will be maintaining the house while I am away, in case it sells. We visited Berta the other day, and got our usual boost. She is so positive and delightful - another pal I will miss very much. We got in one card evening the past week. We are now Master Wizards in our own right, and I will buy this game as soon as I find it in Canada.

All cats are present and correct this past week. Scruff is turning into quite a beauty, and Tobi remains sweet and pretty. Lucky still loves us to death and is all over us when we are outside. The kittens are growing like crazy - really adorable and how we would love to cuddle them. Fredi moves through life on her own terms - aloof, but close by. Our own two remain active and healthy - little do they know they will be travelling a huge distance sometime soon.

A couple viewed our office furniture today and are considering purchasing it. Interest in the house should show soon with the price drop. The dollar exchange has eased a tad, but not enought yet. I predict no big gains and expect the status quo to remain for the rest of this year at least. The couple who came by today are planning to start a property management business along with high cost house sales. Some new competition! I wished them luck.

Much activity, changes, confusion!

2015-05-10T12:25:00.000-05:00

Sorry to my Constant Readers, but I have been so up to the ears in Internet activity, and with frequent failures of the connection...you get the picture!

I had arranged for our house here to be rented for a full year, and we were busily packing into storage office items etc, when Chris announced a few mornings ago that he wanted to cancel the whole shebang. I briefly considered strangling him, but thought a nanosecond longer and changed my mind along with all the carefully planned bookings and arrangements! It took me days to complete the plans and a couple of hours to undo the lot!

I'm not a happy camper, as they say, but his rationale was sound. So, we have now placed our property here for sale with a local agent who charges 6% across the board (highway robbery), and as per my usual summer move, I am off to Canada for an extended visit in June. I will be expecting a pacemaker replacement sometime in the next several months, and will await that. Staying with my daughter number 2 may proved hazardous to her health, so I may seek a rental suite. Lots to arrange once more. We are totally serious about returning to Canada now. Getting older and missing family is a huge part of this decision, but also paradise is not always all it is cracked up to be either!

Meanwhile here, the weather is trying to become rainy season with little success. We had two terrific thundering storm days at the end of April and the entire Azuero peninsula added to the ozone depletion with its collective sigh of relief! Short-lived...we are now back to dry, humid days with temperatures over 90 degrees F, and our pool measures a baby bath temperature of 35 degrees C. So, still watering a few times a week, taking a daily bath in the pool to rinse off the sweat, and waiting.

All 10 cats have been around the last several days. Fredi and brood await their morning meal with cries of 'hurry up', Lucky and Scruff have returned from their holiday elsewhere, and Tobi has fully adopted us as her saviours. She loves to sleep in the guest bedroom, but leaves with no protest when we turf her out. The kittens are over two months now, and really lovely little creatures. Very active, and having a whole whack of fun on the cat tree.

Tobi

Mitzi loves watching them and has no hostility if one comes into the house...Cagney simply ignores it all. I will miss this lot when away! The entertainment value alone is worth the price of admission.

A few days ago, our septic tank/field backed up and all three toilets flooded. What a stench! It took Chris a long time to clear all this, then we waited a few days to get someone to pump out the tank. Nasty bastard charged us $330 to pump it out, then left it half full and said he need another $280 to return to complete the job! I'm waiting to get a Spanish speaking pal to confront the s.o.b. My Spanish is limited when it comes to threats and anger!

As I say, paradise often leaves something to be desired! Despite saying that, there are many times we have loved being here and wouldn't trade this experience for anything. We had our fling, our last kick of the can, and now can become the perfect grandparents we should be...so long as the family wants us back. LOL? The friends we have made here are the biggest loss, and we hope we don't lose contact with them. Not that anyone should worry, we aren't leaving imminently.

Fredi and one kitten

A typical napping day

Lucky and Scruff

All four at once? Maybe three...

Muggy, windless, clear sky and heat

2015-04-11T17:36:00.000-05:00

It is 93F on our shady patio this afternoon, and our pool records a balmy 90F. Not as refreshing as one would prefer, but just getting wet seems to help. The wind is much less these days and the last week has been very warm. I'm surprised to note the humidity measures only 65% as it feels so much more muggy without the wind.

There is a Conference of the Americas in the City this weekend, so traffic was diverted all over Panama, and no doubt a police and militia presence was conspicuous. I was invited to a reception with Stephen Harper put on by the Canadian Embassy, but couldn't get there. Just as well, because I would've organized all those Canadians into a protest against the exchange rate! It is killing us all here. 30% ! Who is this jerk kidding anyway? Canadian voters, let your dissatisfaction be known!

Our latest kitten family has ventured along the patio to the food and water source, and they have discovered the climbing tree while here. Such fun watching their antics!

Fredi and the four latest...

I have had to shoot all these through glass, so forgive any reflective issues! The little guys are so skittish, it is like a stampede whenever they see us as they head for the safety of their drain. Meanwhile, Toby and Scruff have been made unwelcome at the back, so they now turn up at the front door to eat. Toby often wants to come inside and softie Chris allows her in, then we find her later:

Tobi in the guest bedroom; at least she picks the right room

Our pals, Bil and MaryEllen have been occupied the last 10 days with visiting family,, so their quick visit today was welcomed. Today is a decade birthday for Bill, who looks (and acts) about 35, maybe 40. He is a great friend and I bet all his pals in Ohio miss him a lot! We wish them both a great year:

MaryEllen and Bill

So, I have booked planes and rental car for my next visit to Canada in mid-June. I will experience my youngest grand-daughter's graduation from high school and spend 3 weeks carousing with family, friends and whomever I can. Three weeks is a perfect visiting time, and this year I can once again attend the July 1st celebrations in Mission. Must be sure my tan is really dark so they can all groan...

A lively week!

2015-04-04T09:59:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday we spent a happy hour in our revised pool. So glad to have it back, and I still know how to swim after all! It looks really beautiful, and very designer-like as Steve promised. Been in there every day since and started our pool exercises once more:

Thank you PARADISE CONSTRUCTION!

A great start to an interesting week as it turned out. Tuesday was a busy day with collating our tax materials and sending these to Canada to our accountant. We reduced the asking price on this house at the Agent's, and came home to find Fredi had somehow transported four adorable and evidently identical tawny coloured kittens to our cat B&B! They were frolicking under the first palm by the pool, as happy as kittens can be. Fredi sat amidst them contented and relaxed. Oh, boy - four more to try to neuter! How will we ever catch this lot? As she did with her previous three litters, they are esconced in the drainage pipe that runs around the pool to drain patio overrun, and dart back in there at the slightest hint of nerves. These are absolutely lovely little guys and gals, three being so identical we can barely tell them apart and one having slightly more noticeable ginger stripes. They are very lively and have been a source of much laughter from our bedroom window which is how I film them.

Fredi is keeping all the other cats at bay, and hardly leaves the area. Over time, she will relax and no doubt the whole lot will be playing with each other soon. I would dearly love to find homes for all of them and be sure they are all spayed/neutered. Lucky is one of the most loving cats I've known and would make a great pet.

Fredi in the background; the stripy one is mostly hidden

As any regualr reader of this blog will understand, I have spent much of the week monitoring all these little guys and refilling food and water dishes! I am slowly but surely becoming the cat lady I predicted, and this is truly Casa de Gatos!

We are well into Santa Semana (Holy Week) so the development is so quiet you could hear a pin drop. We all avoid town on these holidays and stock up on groceries ahead. Easter is more of a festive time in Canada, with most of us holding special dinners. Not so here - it is a religious festival. At one time in my life, I dressed myself and the three kids in new outfits to attend the church services at Easter and we always went for a pancake breakfast afterwards. Memories! None of my children or their families attend church regularly despite all those years of Sunday School and the junior choir, and to my chagrin, none of my grand-children are baptized. This being a mostly Roman Catholic country, the church is central to village life and our little church on the square is filled each Sunday.

Our local church before the Royal Palms were cut and new ones planted

Quiet much?

2015-03-28T15:23:00.000-05:00

All round, a quiet week. We started filling the pool on Tuesday and are now impatient to finish. At this time of year, water conservation is very important so we have avoided making a big drain on the supply (no pun intended!). It is very attractive and photos next time...

The garden is slowly recovering from its windswept battering, and with the first rains will spark back to life very quickly. I have noticed how fast plants grow in rainy season - it is remarkable. Soon, most of our shrubs will be cut back so the new growth has room to rise. Strange how many gringos prefer the rainy season. The whole country looks better, that's why. It is greener, fresher, prettier when there are rains and the cattle fatten up a little (they are lean anyway). The temperature isn't much lower and if it weren't for the flies and biting bugs, we would love the rain more. The rain here is so warm, you never need a coat and I rarely use an umbrella - I brought two with me.

We spent most of Friday in Chitre. First I visited a lab to have my blood checked. Just walked in, told the fella I was diabetic and required a CBC and HGA1c and all was done in a few minutes. Told me the results would be ready at 1pm. Cost = $35.00 and no Dr. order required. I even managed it all in Spanish! Then we were off to Super 99 for some of the groceries, especially cat supplies, shampoo, and sundries, followed by our monthly visit to Rey for their produce and meats. Ate our lunch at the mall, then trotted off to Novey which is a marvellous store, similar to Do It Centre, but cleaner, less crowded with shelves, wider aisles, better signage and a number of English speaking staff. There we found another hose, some drastically reduced hand towels and facecloths, a new drying rack, and some other small bits and bobs. I could spend all day there! Collected the lab results and headed back home mid-afternoon. A quick stop for gas, and at the local Super Pedasi and we were done! Long day, but fruitful in all ways.

Earlier in the week, we walked to Andromeda to stop by Bill and MareyEllen's place. Perfect length walk with just a small incline going there. Our beach walking is down to nil, and without the pool exercises, I think we both feel a need to get going again. I wrote the penultimate chapter of my novel today and after a week off, will continue with the editing. Time to get this baby out of here!

Slight weather change! And pool ahoy...

2015-03-21T15:01:00.000-05:00

Internet connections are still off and on, mostly kinda off. Electricity has settled for now with less interruptions, but who knows what will happen next? One sure thing abut living here is that you never know what to expect from day to day. Life is very exciting as a result. Not. The wind has definitely calmed a great deal, and although it is very hot, the more subtle breezes are helpful. Some of the garden is even recovering already:

Our patio clock shows a typical temperature and humidity as well as the time

These have grown a little since being planted

One of the new hibiscus plants

Another colour of hibiscus

Some of our hedge is more than double in size already; other hedging looks dead!

The pool received its second coat of paint on Monday, then Dario, from Paradise Construction set to work with the tiling project. He worked over 10 hours - all day on Tuesday - and completed the job in his usual thorough, nifty way. Looks very bright...now for the water this coming week!

Dario at work - no grouting yet

The completed effect...matched beautifully!

The existing tiles from last year's installation are porcelain, therefore expensive at $50.00 a square foot, so we have used smaller, non-slip, composite tiles that cost less than half, and match as good as it gets. It'll be good to have the pool back...

March 17th, we helped celebrate friend Tom's birthday. No green beer or clovers for any of us! Marilyn made a delicious cake with ice-cream topping (Tom loves ice cream!) but we needed to eat fast before it all melted. The rest of the week was quiet, just the usual cat fussing, the Gatos B&B working to capacity. No sign of Fredi's new litter yet! Our Kitty Inn remains popular with a few local pusses - clean beds, fresh food and water, even a sanitary bathroom, cleaned daily. We are looking for help to capture three "girls" for the upcoming spay/neuter clinic which comes to Pedasi next month. The price is right, and the surgery is minimalized for both sexes - less trauma! None of the three cats want us to pick them up, so how to corral them? "Help control the pet population..." said Bob Barker...yup, we're trying!

Comings and goings...mostly goings

2015-03-17T12:06:00.002-05:00

Another week of electrical interruptions and Internet either very slow or not in existence! Tolerating the infrastructure - or, lack of it - is a daily task in a third world country...

Our rehabilitating pool got its first coat of paint last Monday and today the second coat was applied. Now the clever young man who did the tiling before, has returned to tile all horizontal surfaces. As I noticed last year, he is a methodical and careful worker, and does a very nice job. We can probably fill the pool again by early next week? It will look high class and designer-like according to Steve.

Many friends (all Canadians) left the development this last week. Two were off to the Toronto area to do taxes, and to collect, collate etc. their papers to apply for pensianados. They should be back in six to eight weeks. We will miss the card games! Two more left permanently after the husband had a bad fall a fewmonths ago, and was comatose for some time. He was medi-vaced, and his wife has also left. Their home is now for sale. That one was a tragedy for them as both felt so well here and they loved the home they built. I hope to keep in touch Lastly, one of the first to move into the development left to join family in the Ottawa/Toronto area. He amused us and educated us due to his persistent searches for information, and those long chats over a beer will be missed very much. His wife left after Christmas, and their dog died soon after, so their lives have changed also, but after five years here, he said enough - that is all they had planned for. More homes are being built this year, so there will be an influx of new folks to get to know.

We watched three movies of note: the name of the first with Jason Statham escapes me and as all titles are in Spanish, it is sometimes awkward to know what the title of a movie would be in English. "Grease" became "Vaseline"! Wonder how that would go over in NA? We then watched "Feast of Love" with Morgan Freeman, Greg Kinnear and Billy Burke - nice, poignant, good cast. Finally, I got to see "Divergent" which is an unusual story to say the least! Chris hated that one, but I enjoyed it. One thumb up, one down. Luckily, those were the days the electricity stayed on.

Last Friday evening we went with some pals to the Opening of Los Vientos, the newly-built clubhouse at Andromeda. It is very nicely done - huge 100 ft pool, lots of open space, and furnished with quality stuff! I hope ours turns out as nice, although ours should be smaller. I learned to salsa while there- what a lark. Our teacher was a built young dancer from Panama who spoke good English and did a great job with all the old ladies who got up. As is my usual bent, I was up first, and had a dreadful time trying to get the younger women up (!) who were most reluctant but no doubt lovely dancers. Anyway, it was fun. I did fine with no music, but I found the music too fast and the beat hard to pick up so kept getting behind. With ballroom dancing, I have no issues about the beat, and always know what to dance...salsa is probably the most danced rhythm here!

After the wine and cheese, and the dancing lesson, we were off with Tom and Teresa for our second ice cream treat of the week. Sitting in the town square watching the locals, and offering a begging dog the rest of my cone was the final highlight of that evening! All in all, a mixed bag week.

Sunday dawned with Chris letting little Toby into the house (third time he's tried this) and the result was a mad 30 or 40 minutes of cat herding. Lucky got in also, and we "herded" Toby everywhere but out the door as a result. Finally, we opened the French doors, got Lucky out, then coaxed and chased until Toby finally left. I needed another night's sleep after that! Lucky loves to come in, sniff Cagney and Mitzi then explore a while. Toby runs around closely followed by Mitzi and once even hid so long, we figured she had fallen asleep somewhere. This last adventure, Cagney lay calmly in the hall watching all the whispered commands as we attempted not to spook Toby, probably laughing cat-wise at our silly shenanigans!

This week started on a high note with a lunch at El Sitio with the Curries. Playa Venao was busy with surfers and our lunch was most pleasant - good food, beer, dleicious ice cream dessert, and the beach activities to watch - free entertainment! Their daughter is visiting from the Toronto area, and it was lovely to see her again after two years.

Some smaller waves - it's hard to predict when the big ones are coming!

3/4 of the Curries plus the two of us - me with my new haircut!

I insist this says "Don't piss on the grass"

Entrance to El Sitio

So, despite the continually frustrating issues around electricity (much worse this year so far!), we manage to keep laughing, have fun with friends and to not complain continually (which would be a drag). Yes, the garden is bedraggled, we have had no pool for a long time, the Canadian dollar is predicted to drop even lower, money is tight, and are we having fun yet? Hard to say some days. Thank goodness for pals, cats and Chris' slowly growing beard! Our eventual return to Canada should be full of anecdotes, silly stories, many photos, local souvenirs (mostly shells), and a trove of memories, way less furniture, and plus two or more cats...

Ciao....

Life goes on...

2015-03-07T13:41:00.002-05:00

Time to play catch-up, and be back on my weekly schedule of blogging!

We still have the spare tire on the SUV as Chris is trying to search out where he will buy a replacement tire. Means we cannot go far, or too often. Small price to pay, as we have enough groceries for now, and no need to gallivant. It seems he is forever getting his wallet out...some things never change.

We spent a pleasant evening with Tom and Theresa, and their guests Mike and Katherine (who leave next Monday), having a spaghetti dinner, and fruit dessert. I so prefer these more simple dinners our neighbours are providing lately. It all tastes delicious, and it is nice to know they didn't have to slave all day! That was Wednesday, and walking home we found we had no need for our torch / flashlight as the moon was high and being almost full, very bright.

Last evening, John and Lynda hosted a farewell pot-luck for Pierre. Sadly, he is leaving to join his family in Canada. His wife, Beth, will be pleased to get him back! Pierre has been a wonderful source of information as he researches thoroughly (like any good policeman!) and shares his findings. Many of us will miss him greatly. Most of our neighbours were at the do, plus a few others, so the evening was pleasantly spent chatting after sampling the variety of food laid out. After a full day of no electricity, and a frustrating time trying to make my rice pudding without using my rice cooker, I relaxed and enjoyed the evening. Cathy cut my hair on Thursday, and there were many very nice comments coming my way! My hair has not been this short for ten years, and last time it was several shades darker...

The winds continue here, not gale force, but most days very brisk. All plants are still suffering, and Mauricio reassures me they will grow back. Hope so, it is such a setback for the gardens. On Monday, Steve has promised to start painting and tiling the pool. He plans to have the horizontal surfaces tiled, and to paint the vertical parts. It will look nicer, and save all this repainting for the future. Steve has proven a great find - a thank you to Pierre for that!

Little Toby decided to come into the house twice now. After exploration, she disappeared to sleep somewhere, and Mitzi lost interest in her whereabouts. She is skittish but very curious. Scruff seems to come and go like Lucky, and Fredi comes by to chow down most days- she is starving hungry right now. Porky Possum hasn't shown up again.

So, life continues...sun, wind, cats, kittens, dinners, cards, with a bit of writing thrown in for good measure!

Dinners out and car issues

2015-03-03T12:37:00.000-05:00

Busier over the past 10 days or so - time to post!

We had our Wizard card game with Tim and Kathy...Chris won the first game to his crowing delight, then Tim skunked us all in the next game, to everyone's chagrin. We were back to their place for dinner with Paul and Marilyn a few days later, all enjoying Kath's delicious buns!. We watched the sky and the zillions of stars after. There are so many when the moon is less than full. We had a last-minute invite from Bill and Maryellen a day later and another delicious beer chicken dinner with their BBQ'd veggies. We met Rick and Penny there and have had Rick help tweak both our laptops - he's very knowledgable, having taken this up as a sideline after retirement. Our friends are treating us very well lately, and we need to arrange thank yous in return!

We were off to Chitre for the day yesterday, to pay both car and house insurance and to collect groceries. Renewing insurance here takes forever, and is another bureaucratic mess. When something goes smoothly and/or quickly, it is time to rejoice! After spending a wad on groceries at three different mercados, we started home, both of us noticing the car seemed to be running rough. I opted for a wheel problem, not related to the recent balancing done. Sure enough, about a third of the way along, a huge bang from the rear and a tire had burst. Luckily we were in a stretch with lots of shoulder, and a half hour later, after Chris struggled like crazy to undo the lugs, we were back on the road with our spare making the ride much smoother. While riding home, we were called by our lender telling us the last two payments on our loan were not to be found in his account. More grief!

At home, we unloaded the car, did the right things with frozen stuff and the meat, then I laid on the bed with tea while Chris downed a whiskey. Once up again, I searched our loan file and sent copies of the receipts to our lender. It got sorted out okay because the clerk had deposited our payment to the wrong account! Love this place! NOT. Advice = watch bank accounts, credit card reports, and check all receipts. We do this regularly and had missed this particular mistake. I mean, who needs the angst?

Animals? Still have our two who continue to rage around when the mood strikes, plus a varying number of outside pussies who come and go like we're the local diner. Another patron reappeared Friday night. Porky Possum came for a sample of cat food and when we got home, we found him comfortably ensconced in one of the cat crates! Cosy as you please, and not about to shift no matter what we did. Fredi ate, almost beside him and he even ignored her. I tried for another photo which is poor because of light issues, and filming through a door...

Fredi and Porky

Chris has scrubbed and sanded all the window sills and now repainted them. Maintenance done on a regular basis is crucial in Panama - as I say, everything molds or rusts quickly, so don't stand still too long! Or only buy plastic stuff? Next up, getting the outside painted by ??? and Chris installing my closet door after waiting for the track for two years, two months and two days. Nice to have even numbers. So February ended, March came in like a lamb, and all's well that ends well? Maybe. Ciao...

Busier, still hot, and we're broke!

2015-02-22T11:59:00.001-05:00

A much busier week just passed. We were invited for hamburgers at Don and Connie's, and along with Bill and MaryEllen, enjoyed an excellent meal (as always when Connie cooks!) along with stimulating conversation. Connie even made my favourite dessert - key lime pie. For someone who never eats dessert, Connie can surely prepare the best-tasting stuff! The next day was as hot as ever, and knowing our pool is still empty, Bill called us up to come and jump in his. That was grand and a very welcomed cool-down. A quiet time talking and we were off home, cooled and ready to make dinner.
On Thursday we met with Tedd and Jon of Panama Equity and listed our home for sale. It seems to have come so quickly - the decision to return to Canada, but the market here is slow at present, so it may be some time before we really leave. Many feelings involved in this decision, but we have discussed this fully, and on many occasions, so it is with agreement. The next day, we had been invited to Tim and Kathy's for dinner and cards, and spent the first hour there enjoying their pool. Kathy made an excellent pizza - marvellous crust, and full of veggies. Best we've had in this country. We are going to become addicted to "Wizard" and since Chris actually won the second game, he is wired to go head to head with Tim (a very good player) again soon! Kathy also makes a delicious dessert which she tells me is very simple. It has a cracker crust, with pistachio pudding, and cool whip, with a cherry on top. Light and very good. I need that recipe and will share it with my daughter who loves to bake, maybe both of them!

When we arrived home from Tim and Kathy's, there was a huge possum devouring the rest of the cat food outside. I have never seen such a fat boy! I tried for a photo,but he moved much too fast for me. I did manage to catch the beautiful moths/butterflies all over the wall of the patio:

Our weather remains windy, often less than gale force, thank goodness, and hot (over 90 F many afternoons) with a fairly high humidity (over 70% most days). It's a wonder I don't melt away. I drip from my face and head like a faucet!
Our cats survive all this very well. Cagney never grew his undercoat this year, so he seems to keep cool, and Mitzi was born here and has so much energy, nothing would stop her. Toby and Scruff come almost every day for their meals, and sometimes we still see Fredi (she looks as though she has had her kittens and when she turns up she is ravenous).

Toby loves this spot for her naps

Scruff wants to cuddle with Lucky

Other than being invited out, we have done little due to being short of cash right now. Some big bills next month so we may be down to KD and beans on toast. At least I still have my oatmeal for breakfast - a start to the day I cannot give up...it's that Scots blood from my grandma.
Next week will likely be quiet except it brings payday, and that means bills to pay and shopping to do. At the beginning of the week, we expect Steve back to begin the painting and tiling of the pool. Maybe water in another week? Life flows on...

Carnivale once more...

2015-02-14T12:06:00.001-05:00

Just when the wind dropped for about a week, and I thought our garden might survive after all, back came the high winds. It isn't cold, and the evening breezes can be refreshing, but this all day and night blasting of the coast is too much, folks! Watching the huge waves, and the breakers is entertaining, and I am sure anyone brave enough to try surfing must be loving it, but there is a limit for the rest of us. We even lost a tile off our roof last night. You'd think this was March coming in like a lion...

I took this pic from our bedroom window this morning:

Don and Connie say they saw a pod of whales the other day. No humpbacks here yet (they are in Mexcico according to my sources), so I am curious to know what kind they may be. We will watch more closely for the coming week. An Egret has been visiting us almost every day for over a week. It struts sedately about, sometimes pausing to wach something, then wanders off out of sight.

There are over 900 species of birds in Panama (more than in the whole of North America), and I have glanced through that bok on Panama birds I bought Chris, but so far identified only a few of the more obvious species. There are Wrens, Grackles, Egrets, and a colourful yellow and brown pair I cannot quite find in the book. We also have seen some kind of raptors, along with vultures. Panama is in a unique position for wildlife and birdlife being at the juncture of the two Americas.

Our little vsiting cat family will grow again soon. We have been unable to trap Fredi, so she is due to produce any day now, with a huge tummy! This will be her fourth litter, and of about ten births or more, only three of her offspring are still around. We have known Fredi since she was a tiny kitten. Momcat disappeared months ago, and now we rarely see Spaz, her last kitten. Our goal of neutering these cats is not going well! Only Lucky is fixed so far. The latest two kittens from Fredi are now four months, with Ginger disappearing a while back. I caught a photo of Toby relaxing on our patio...Chris would love to tame, spay and keep her!

She is a unique colouring - all brown tabby with a bright orange tail tip and one ginger paw.

Our social life has slowed with having less money to spend. But friends Tim and Kathy had us for a tasty dinner a week ago, and we played "Wizard" with them later in the week. This is a newer card game, and good fun. Tim wiped tke floor with us all, to Kathy's annoyance! I spent a pleasant Saturday afternoon last week at neighbour Marilyn's with a few ladies. Lots of chatter, and good vibes. We also borrowed a DVD of "Burlesque" from Kathy and found this a good movie. Cher still has those great pipes and Christina Aguilera is one helluva singer (and dancer!).

Carnivale starts today, with Mardi Gras on February 17th. No stores open, all businesses pretty much closed, and we definitley have no plans to go into town or visit Las Tablas which has the second biggest Carnivale in the world (after Rio). It tends to be a big drunken bash with folks urinating on houses and plants, the police hosing everthing, and everybody, off, and thick crowds of revelers. Not our style! I would like to catch some photos, but no way!

I have found a recipe for crepes that looks even better than the one I already have, so I am ready for Shrove Tuesday or Pancake day as we called it in England. No whipping cream in the larder, so we will forego that. So, bring on Lent, and in ix weeks it will be Easter. More partying, groan!

The joys of casual living

2015-01-24T09:50:00.000-05:00

The winds continue most days, with some lessening at times. Any plants in direct line with the winds are suffering a whole load - they look as though they have already endured the entire dry season! We water, but are careful to not be wasteful. We are resigned to losing many hedging plants, at least one palm, and our gingers will be setback in places. Such is weather in Panama...

Our outdoor visiting cats must have found another source of nutrition, as they are more and more infrequent. Spaz disappeared for over 24 hours, and we feared he had been harmed in some way. We miss his all-day presence on the patio when he goes. Little Toby still arrives faithfully for his two meals, but Fredi hasn't been around most of the past week - probably another pregnancy blooming. Little Scruff also comes and goes, who knows where in the daytime. So, we have from one to five visitors now.

Mitzi will never grow up (hopefully); she remains a live wire of activity, loving to chase us, nip our feet, steal our shoes, ruck up any rugs, pinch my jewellery and so on...Cagney observes from whatever height he has found, and makes no comment. He loves being petted, patted, and cuddled - when it suits him, of course. Typical cat!

Several of our development neighbours dropped in on us this past week. we like these spontaneous visits, and usually share a beer or cocktail, and chin-wag for hours. It is time for us to entertain once more - sadly, the dreadful exchange rate is affecting us severely, and money has become even tighter. It will take a few months to pull out of the Christmas spending! I even cut back this year on gifts - not the number, just the cost.

Fuel remains at an all-time low everywhere, including here. Grocery prices seem stable right now, and the cost of living here may not have risen in the past few months.

This coming week, I will be in Panama City to attend a Warden's Conference, courtesy of the Canadian Government and the Embassy. There is a concerted effort afoot to register all Canadians living out of country, in case of emergency or other catastrophe. Authorities need to know who, how many, and their location if evacuation is ever necessary. This is a voluntary act on my part, and my focus initially will be to urge all local Canadians to register with the Canadian Embassy in Panama.

Suffering gardens

2015-01-18T11:35:00.000-05:00

I hardly left the house this past week! Unusual...

Our drying north-easterly winds have been harsh for the gardens. Our plants are looking as distressed as they usually are by May! The strong winds seem to have arrived earlier than usual, and are unrelenting. We have had a few days with nice breezes, but with the salt-laden battering, we notice the bougainvillea, the red gingers and some of the hedge and smaller trees are suffering. Watering doesn't help, but a refreshing shower to wash off the salt is useful. We hope all can recover with the next season, or we will have some empty spaces to deal with.

I sometimes think I'll never keep up with dusting and window cleaning, so we are going to try a young couple as cleaners once per week. Chris is a great help around the house, but he has enough to contend with on the outside. He scoops the pool daily, vacuums it about every third day, mows the lawn in rainy season, edges it, rakes leaves from that big tree out back, weeds, waters etc. etc. Even with the simple irrigation system installed, there is still some watering to tend to, such as the lawn areas. He never complains, but gets really hot! In fact, he is happy to do all this, as he never had time when working. Now he works even harder, like many retirees...

I keep busy with that novel I am supposed to be writing. It is going slowly right now, and I have about half to go. The anemia and abnormal blood counts are making me tired, and I rest every day for a while. Daily naps are a healthy choice, but I often cannot actually sleep. Never mind - I enjoy the opportunity to read quietly with my feet up! I am often joined by Mitzi, and sometimes Cagney curls up with us.

Our new neighbours are comfortably esconced next door. Their dog is very quiet, even though still a puppy. No cats seem to have noticed his arrival. We were off to visit with Bill and MaryEllen early in the week and unexpectedly got invited for dinner. Bill made two "beer can" chickens plus mixed veggies cooked on the barbie - all delicious - and a guest had brought rice pudding for dessert. We haven't had rice pudding since we left Canada. I must make some soon. It was so good.

Well, Constant Readers...that is about it in a nutshell this week. Ciao...

Dry season and the Trade Winds

2015-01-11T11:52:00.001-05:00

Daily gusting winds greet us every morning. Mostly clear blue skies throughout the days, and sometimes the wind lets up a little towards evening. Watering is important for the young plants, and with our newly installed irrigation system - quite a primitive one, but effectual - we have some help. Chris waters the grass a couple of times a week, and hand waters some of the more vulnerable plants. The palms enjoy an aerial spray too, to rid them of the salt spray. The winds seem to be early this year and some plants are suffering from the unrelenting assault. We are needing to top up the pool about every other day now. Pool temperature is running around 29C.

We have had several drop-in visitors once I declared myself fit again. I still cough off and on, but I'm not infectious. We met Val's mum from Edinburgh (now lives in Victoria, BC) and she kindly invited us to stay when in her area! Sad to say, Pierre and Beth's lovely standard poodle, Diablo, died just after Christmas. We were near tears! He was a lovely dog, and only 6 years old. Some of the part-time residents are here to escape the cold, snow, heavy clothes of their northern homes...it is remarkable how you just don't miss shoes, long slacks, sweaters and parkas!

Mitzi is enjoying something, maybe the wind. Her racing, jumping and nonsense has increased. Cagney plods on and probably still thinks she is crazy. Our outdoor cats have diminished by one with Ginger not showing up for over a week now. Toby and Scruff have been disappearing every day, but come running at mealtimes. At three months they are pretty adventurous...

Scruff curled up with Fredi

Toby

Toby washing

I had received some more charms from my grand-children, and their dog as Christmas gifts. The bracelet was started by one of my daughters in 2013, and now looks:

My new bracelet, thanks to family!

I enjoy wearing the bracelet, but am fearful of losing it! Maybe I can get a guard chain. So the year is now well started, and we have many small improvements we wish to make plus I would like to do a little travelling around the country. Sadly, our Canadian dollar is still lowering and finances are tight!

Yet Another New Year!

2015-01-04T10:32:00.000-05:00

2015 - isn't it unbelievable? OK, maybe not, but I marvel at the passage of time...

After a two-week vacation in Canada, I am back to resume so-called normal function as a retiree in Panama. This means staying busy, but still enjoying the marvellous weather, the lazy days, the slowed pace, the humidity (!), my writing, and the pool. Thank goodness for that pool. It is humid+ once more, and those afternoon dips are so welcomed! The landscaping is mostly done with some details to finish, and the peace with no workmen is marvellous. The folks next door moved in while I was gone, and as predicted are quiet neighbours. They are still busy settling and finishing landscaping, but no undue noise. Even their delightful dog is cooperating.

My time away was too short for much added visiting, but I met with everyone in my family. The grand-children are as wonderful as ever, and I am sorry I cannot share their photos online, because they are the most lovely and handsome brood a grand-mother could wish for! My two daughters and son are all well, working hard, and I love them as much as ever. Seeing family is always special, and this visit was very good.

I managed a luncheon with a friend who will be moving to our development this summer. Ray is a neat guy from Chilliwack, BC and treated me to a tasty lunch and a lot of chatting! He may build here soon, and he will be a welcome addition to the mix of folks here. I also had a fantastically good luncheon with some Networking friends from the Fraser Valley, and Marilyn treated us to a home-cooked meal to delight the senses at her house in Maple Ridge, BC. Unfortunately, I was the only one who couldn't clear her plate due to the cold virus I managed to catch while away. It is a nasty bug with a persistent, hacking cough that will not go away. I apologize to all who were subjected to hearing me hack!

The Ladies Luncheon

Ray and I

I "cooked" Christmas dinner for my son and his boys, as they were alone that day, and despite the quick preparation, it wasn't too bad. The little boys are not fussy, and told me they loved me! I had a Christmas Eve dinner with my son-in-law's family, and that was another delightful meal and evening. On Boxing Day, my older daughter treated us to turkey and the fixings, so I managed to have my fill of turkey all told! Staying with both of my daughters was a heartfelt experience - they treated me well, and once more I was reminded of the true meaning of family and love.

Back in Panama, it is surreal with this hot weather in the middle of our NA winter. I'll never become accustomed to this. The cats (when around) are all galloping, playing, eating, sleeping, and sleeping, and sleeping! Lucky is a no-show many days now, Ginger has been gone for a few days, and now Scruff is gone too. The outside cats vacillate! Indoors, Mitzi and Cagney are still loving and faithful - besides, I won't let them out.

Yet another bed for Cagney

Mitzi found another ladder to climb...

So life goes on for us all. I hope all my readers enjoyed a family-filled holiday, and that 2015 proves to be one of the best years yet for everyone! I conclude with a recent shot from our patio that epitomizes the peace of life for some of us...

A December sunset from our house

Rainy Season takes a final blow

2014-12-06T14:03:00.001-05:00

We have had a lot of contrasting weather this past week! Hot, humid, steamy, and bright sun to full-blown thunderstorms, and the usual raging river past the door...our patio was flooded twice, but amazingly when the sun comes out it is gone so fast. The cats have been confused as to whether they should shelter or play. Today, while the rain poured down, the three kittens curled up with Spaz in one of our cat carriers on the patio. When cleaning up last week, we deliberately left the two carriers open and available, and they are getting used from time to time.
The little ones are now two months - no takers at this point, so I may as well name them. The tabby one has become Toby, the light ginger one will likely remain Ginger, and the brindled one could be Scruff. We have no idea whether they are boys or girls as we cannot get near them right now. However, soon we will find a way to capture all three and deliver them to our vet for neutro/neutra! We still need to capture Spaz and Fredi for the same treatment...wish us luck.

Ginger and Toby

Toby, Ginger, Scruff

Scruff, Toby, Ginger

Ginger and Scruff

The garden is virtually done. Chris has been busy carting all the "stuff" on the patio along the path, and is now attempting to organize it all. Not his strong point. Having denied me a Christmas tree this year (he picked Mitzi out of the tree several times when I was away last year, and it looked pretty ragged when I got back home!), he volunteered (I swear) to put up decorative lights. He took a fair time yesterday outlining the casita roof, having to replace one string that refused to light after it was up. Looks ok at night. Now to tackle some other areas. My suggestion is that since I bought white lights only we should leave them up year round. They can be used with parties, evenings on the patio, and just to help light the yard. Clever? The big tree has its lights up and looking really great when on. They light up the whole patio very nicely. Pals Stan and Val gave two thumbs up to what we have done so far, and Bill and MaryEllen like the overall look.! Thanks for the encouragement, guys...

Our new patio

The casita

With OPECs boo-boo over oil prices, we are reaping a benefit here. All gas is below one dollar per litre, and diesel is around 0.81 cents or so. Remember this is USD. Grocery prices seem to be holding, and the newest threat is a huge increase in electricity prices in the New Year - 19%? Who are they kidding? And we even had 18 hours with none one day this week. Good job I bought a decent supply of candles.

So, the final month of 2104. Wow, where did this year go? I am about halfway through my novel (first draft) and it is going slowly. As of Nov 15th, we have been in Pedasi for two years. Lots of good and bad stuff, and we can still laugh. Some marvellous friends, a paucity of enemies, and my Spanish is passable. Progress. Next week I will be off to Canada for two weeks. Look forward to that.

Pedasi life...

2014-11-29T15:07:00.000-05:00

We were off to Ponchalos on Monday for lunch with Bill and MaryEllen. They both have had colds and are finally socializing again. Once more, Chris and I enjoyed the quesadillas, while the others had a Ponchalo burger, which is huge and can come with french fries. Jimmy makes good meals and we almost went Thursday for his turkey dinner, but Chris has driven to Las Tablas and Chitre for six days in a row now, and another trip seemed one too may! On Tuesday we attended a doctor in Las Tabas, recommended by Jimmy. Dr. Solis is a thirty-something youngster, and after talking with Chris prescribed him medication plus three cortisone shots for his sciatica. After almost five weeks, Chris finally called "Uncle"! Needless to say, he is feeling much better and we hope the pain has been conquered. There is no treatment left - unless you opt for surgery and I doubt Chris would be offered that at his age. I asked the doctor about y prescribed medications, and was told they are ALL non-prescription in Panama. Off I trotted to the pharmacy next door to get prices, and found I would save very little by buying here as we have extended benefits in Canada, so it all comes out about the same. If one had no Canadian benefits,costs would be about half that of N.A. Our problem is that we are unsure how much our present plan would cover. More to be said later...

I booked my rental car for my next trip and will be setting up to have my Canadian insurance agent provide insurance coverage at half the cost Hertz would charge! Another good piece of information. Our friend Tom, from Toronto, has been visiting, and on Friday the three of us were off to Segretos for dinner. Another great meal! Myrko (the owner) visited with us to show us cell photos of his newborn twins; they arrived November 9th and the couple weren't sure whether they were having twins as her ultrasound couldn't clearly identify two babies. They are identical girls and daddy is over the moon and so proud. They look beautiful! His mother has been visiting from Italy (Milan), and she introduced herself and we tried some Italian...okay we know arriverderci, signora, ciao, and maybe two or three more words! She was delighted to meet all of us, but has to return tomorrow to go back to work. We now understand how Myrko learned to cook so well!

Back at our casa, the shed is now completed with door, fan and light and outside lantern all in working order. Chris is starting to organize his belongings so he can set up his outhouse. A young fella was putting a last coat on the patio today. I'm loving the colour. So little left to do now - we plan to add to the plants as time goes by. With the irrigation system in place, we can put in some more plants even in dry season if we wish. Privacy is still a huge issue for me, plus I don't want to view the entire garden all at once, but to create areas/rooms which reveal themselves as you walk about.

All cats are thriving. We have put out the word about our adorable kittens but nothing positive yet. They are so sweet and all are pretty little guys/gals, just shy for now. Weather-wise, we had brisk north winds all yesterday and again today. The Trades are changing direction so within a few weeks, dry season will officially be here. The humidity is rising as are the daily temperatures...no avoiding the change.

The tabby kitten playing

Contented mother and her three kits

Mitzi found another ladder to climb!

Changing weather? Cats at Casa de Gatos...

2014-11-22T10:34:00.000-05:00

Changeable weather lately. The sunny days are marvellous, usually with a breeze, lower humidity, and the pool temperature around 30C. Rain is not heavy when it occurs, and all too soon, there will be no more rain for about 5 or 6 months. Our new plants are slowly growing and hopefully putting down strong root systems to sustain them through dry season. We have a simple irrigation system that cost relatively little and that covers front and back plants and trees. It will make periodic watering much easier in the coming year!

There has been less social activity lately, but with the festive season approaching, that will change. We had hoped to entertain at our house before Christmas, but our patio will not be ready I think, so we will delay for the New Year period. So slow! The door is finally going on the casita this weekend - maybe - and most plants are now in. More gravel is required to finish the back of the garden, and we plan to find some bushy flowering plants for closer to the house. Privacy is going to be a huge concern for me.

All cats are thriving! Cagney has decided to be super loving and can drive me to distraction with his demands. He sleeps on the bed some of the night, but thankfully does not lean against my legs. Mitzi, on the other hand, loves to curl up close to legs, and even her small weight can be felt. Chris gets very restless when she chooses him, so I get her the rest of the night most of the time. She is warm but tiny enough I still sleep. Fredi is more relaxed about her babies, now that they are 7 weeks. They eat some kibble each day and have taught themselves to use the kitty litter. Clever little dears. They are ready for adoption and we have put the word out. We need GOOD guardians, please. The three wee ones are very active now, climbing and exploring, play-fighting, romping, and have discovered the toys I have left outside for them. All kittens are so endearing! Spaz wants to play with them,but they are all wary of him. Lucky still cuddles up to us when he can. He would make a great indoor or outdoor pet - only 6 months! We need desperately to catch Fredi and Spaz for "fixing".

Prices have stabilized somewhat lately. Diesel gas has dropped to around 85 cents per litre (good!), and groceries have not increased lately. Our very big concern is the exchange rate for Canadian to US currency. It now costs us around $350 to $500 per month in exchange costs alone! We never calculated THAT into our budget before coming here, and it is like burning cash. Makes us think twice about living here. My original budgets indicated a monthly savings of around $1000 and we have never seen that!

However, when all is said and done - we are enjoying our location and the relaxed lifestyle. Having the pool, the beaches, the garden, and some very pleasant friendships sustains us!

La Casita progresa

2014-11-15T16:44:00.001-05:00

Mixed weather this last week. Some rain, not torrential, and some brilliant sunshine. Temperatures start the day around 25 C and climb into the low 40's by the early afternoon. The pool has stayed warm of course, so there are some days of immersion and exercises!

The big tree as seen from the back of the garden.
Electrician Guillermo has hung lights from the branches.
Our neighbour's house is behind.

Guillermo's son, Bernardino, helping his father
with the lines and the hanging strings.

Nothing has changed re our indoor cats. They are healthy, and we have noticed that Cagney has not grown his undercoat this year. He doesn't need it here, and I had read that cats will adapt in this way, but this will be his first time ever without that heavy weight. Fredi spent all the last week back and forth to the culvert to feed her kittens,and yesterday we noticed her trying to coax the little ones up and out of there. They couldn't make it - too big a jump. So Chris found a piece of wide lumber (actually, a black painted shutter we did not use) and used this as a stairway for them. Later, as it was getting dark, we saw the three little creatures coming up to follow mom. They were frisking about, and obviously enjoying their freedom from that dank culvert. This morning, only two kittens were back on the patio, so we think one managed to escape his mother, and dove back down into the dark. Fredi has gone down the hole a few times, but no wee kitty! We fret over things like this.

Our casita was painted light blue today; still needs a second coat, but with the window in, and the door to come, it is looking quite attractive! Still requires some gravel and the plants around, but I am pleased with the effect. We have to obtain some bushy plants to help with privacy and to screen the garden from being seen all at once. A design issue! Mauricio tries, but he doesn't get my design ideas...I told him no even numbers, only 3's, 5's, 7's etc when planting groups of the same plant. So, we have four palms together. I will fix it later.

The "outhouse"

We spent most of Thursday in Chitre - our long trek to the dentist and to shop. It is the equivalent of driving from our Canada home to Vancouver and back in a day, shopping in between. We hit three grocery stores that day. I was so tired, I almost forgot to eat dinner, and went off to bed at 7pm!

I've put together some plans for when in Canada next, and a pal is arranging a book-signing at a local tea shop for me. What a great gal she is! With a few lunches with friends and the family, plus a few appointments, time will fly by. No car accidents or special tests this time please!

Looking towards the pool from near the tree.
La Villa de la Torre is in the background, and the Pacific beyond that.

The large house that many call "The Castle" is owned by a Vancouver businessman. He designed it himself from mediaeval sketches and has incorporated "authentic" furnishings, flooring, and light fixtures. It is a lovely house!

Beautiful weather

2014-11-08T17:07:00.000-05:00

We have had some marvellous weather this past week, which was very welcome after that horrific storm on Hallowe'en. Our pool has been consistently over 30 degrees C, and the sea that gorgeous cobalt blue I so enjoy. No whales of course, as I guess they have now moved off. We saw very little of them this season. I blame El Nino. Water temperature was higher than normal, and as a result there were less fish and krill for the whales to eat!

Work is ongoing in the back garden, and I think we can finally see the end coming. The roof is now on our casita, and next up is the door and window, then painting, and we're done with that aspect. There are some more plants to go in, and I still want to find some bushes for privacy around the patio and pool. An electrician was out there today, setting up for lighting in the casita and we discussed lighting for the patio under the tree. He was all agreement, so I hope it looks good when done! All in all, it should be acceptable and usable space when completed.

Chris surveying his future domain

The path almost done

Ferns around the patio

Fredi decided there was too much activity near her babies, and moved the kittens back to the culvert where we believe they may have been born. We miss the little ones and their growing activity! But mother cats being the way they are, there is nothing to be changed by us. She was getting quite hostile even towards us. We notice she still turns up twice daily to be fed and watered!

The adorable wee ones

I managed to stroke Spaz today! He seemed to enjoy the attention - a step in the best direction if he is to get neutered soon. Now to work on Fredi again. Cagney's latest napping spot is on the credenza behind my desk, and Mitzi has returned to the basket of throws - the ones we never used after all. We have never discovered where she last hid that little green ball, but she plays with a multi-coloured one now and seems to have forgotten her favourite toy.

Most of my plans for my Christmas visit to Vancouver and area are complete.Just a few last-minute purchases and I will be on my way in mid-December.

RAIN! Mud, giant slabs, kittens - quite the mix

2014-11-01T11:35:00.001-05:00

All Saints Day - the day my older daughter was baptized many years back. It was a beautiful day then and is again today! Presently, there are about a half dozen workers in our back garden. They are sloshing around in mud, working on the casita roof,and completing laying a slate path that resembles the Giant's Causeway in Ireland! It is time to get this project finished. Yesterday, it rained so hard that we had a river flowing down the road and another flowing out of our back! The patio was partly flooded, and it looked as though our whole back garden would be under water any minute. A scene from Noak's Ark!

It will become a walkway!

The "river" flowing past the front of the house

A smaller river joins the big one (from next door)

Water from us and from lot 35

Does it ever rain in Panama you ask? Oh, yes....and 20 minutes later it is bright sunshine and the puddles are fast disappearing. Only in Panama.

A week ago, just when we were about to give up on Fredi and her kittens, she suddenly placed them in one of our AC housings. Three small furry bodies, well hidden. Then last weekend, she carried/dragged the wee things to the back patio and to our delight put them in the comfy cat carrier we have out there. Two dark, one light ginger, and now we can see the dark ones are actually one brindled and one tabby. I suspect a black cat who has arrived lately must be the dad. Our gingers chase him away so we have no idea where he came from or where he now hangs out. The kittens were born around October 1st so are now about 4 weeks old.

With luck and ingenuity, we will befriend them, get them to a vet for a start, then get them adopted somehow. Hopefully, Dr Diaz can assist us! The bigger task is to make sure these are Fredi's LAST litter. She's fairly trusting now, but picking her up will be a challenge. With our care and feeding of their mother, at least these babes look healthy. Spaz and Lucky are curious but Fredi warns them off if they get close.

I completed editing my manuscript of the novella. Then took a leap of faith and e-mailed query letters and the first chapter (five pages) to four agents. One replied within 24 hours with "interesting, but not for me right now". Courteous! I have the next book planned out and will complete an outline this coming week, then get down to work again. Despite the agony and doubt, writing is now my forte! Chris was off to the endodontist on Friday, having one of his root canals finished. He missed wearing waders to get back home. I swear that water would have been over his hubcaps!

One of our older workers, left us a big bag of lemons earlier in the week. Using a little gadget I bought at a Fiesta here, we squeezed two jars full of lemonade. Boy, is it sour! Like concentrate. So now I can have my morning glass of warm lemon before breakfast. I haven't found the lemon concentrate I used in Canada. Still lots left to squeeze...

This is actually a long, long weekend for Panamanians. Day of the Dead is tomorrow, Separation from Columbia is November 3rd and the 4th is flag day here. Later in the month Santa Catalina is celebrated, closely followed by Independence from Spain. A month full of celebrations - even more than Christmas. No double time for any workers, and most businesses seem to simply close down. Fill your larder, and get your beer now! Last chance....

Birthdays and partying

2014-10-25T11:56:00.001-05:00

The highlight of our past week was a Costa Pedasi gathering at Limon to say Happy Birthday to one of our younger owners, Kim. She and Kevin are building a huge house near the beach which will take two lots and over a year to complete. They are a delightful couple and invited all the development residents plus a couple from Andromeda. A marvellous evening of wine, beer, cakes, and friendly chatter with neighbours and soon-to-be neighbours. I took about a dozen photos, but still missed a few folks - forgive me! Some of the photos:

It would be nice to have our own clubhouse for these get-togethers and maybe in about a year, this will happen. Unfortunately, the photos of the birthday gal didn't come out - no idea why.

Work plods slowly along in our garden. The casita is into its fourth week now, with no end in sight! Plants have been added to the garden and rocks outline the future division between grass and gravel. Seems to be forever, and the ginger cats are quite put out about their previously private space. All three continue to come for breakfast and dinner and the boys hang around on the weekend when we have no activity outside other than ourselves. Fredi eats and runs back to wherever she has hidden her latest family additions. We have an idea of where they may be, but she hasn't shown them off yet. The must be coming up to a month by now. No changes with Mitzi or Cagney; both remain healthy and active, slightly crazy, and loving.

Chris is waiting for his next dental appointment...that should happen soon. I'm revising, and revising, and editing my novel/novella with much angst. It is hard to be objective about one's own work. It may be rubbish, but I am hopeful it is a gem! Wishful thinking, but thinking big is what this stuff is all about. I maintain a new website for my writing, plus the Conscious Aging one, plus Facebook pages. Busy! My knitting is going very slowly as a result. I took a bunch of silly "tests" today on Facebook, and had some laughs over the results. It seems I will live to be 118, am compassionate, and my middle name is Elizabeth (not), among other highly accurate findings! I am also an owl...what a hoot.