Bonnie

Although it isn't stated, I assume that these "sessions" provide photo ops. But are they provided, or must participants bring their own photographer?

This house is under contract.

For the third time in two days I witnessed drivers, most likely tourists, turning the wrong way down one-way streets. In one case, an accident barely was avoided. Another snarled up traffic pretty badly. Because there are no one-way signs, we all need to be extra vigilant at these intersections during tourist season. I find it interesting that Panama has adopted strict seat belt enforcement, signs (some) indicating curves, and even speed bumps, but somehow has overlooked one-way traffic signs. And in David particularly stop signs are a rarity or are obscured by foliage. I think this lack of signage poses significant hazards on the roads here.

What a great video, John! Thank you for recording this, for doing such a beautiful job, and for sharing with the rest of us. To me, this is one of the most special events in Boquete.

I had one of the best steaks I've ever had in my life at Butcher Thursday night. And the sides were to die for--particularly the broccoli, which generally is not one of my favorites. It was flavored with garlic and a hint of anchovies.Just an excellent meal for the holidays.

I was stopped in town while negotiating the traffic this afternoon and had time to notice that there's a big sign out front of Retrogusto announcing that they now are open for lunch. I was looking and hoping to see the same for A Pizza, but traffic picked up and had to move before getting a good look. In any case, Retrogusto's being available midday is good news for those of us who resist driving at night because of our age and failing eyesight but who every now and then like to have a special lunch.

I agree with Keith and John. I personally don't like this effect. It looks more like painting than photography.

That’s a surprise. I generally find Google translation to border on gibberish. In fact, I had Google in mind when I wrote my post. I have to wonder if they’ve upgraded their program.

Here is an unedited machine translation of the referenced news release by ACODECO: This is a markedly better translation than most, Bud. What translation program is it?

Well, the winds have started somewhat early this year and started off with a bang. My property is shielded by topography from the very worst of the winds, but I awoke to two heavy flower pots blown over and broken on the terrace and had to chase down chair pillows in the yard. You folks in El Alto must really have gotten it (unless my microclimate was unusually hard hit)!

No, I didn't have any writing paper with me. Two Panamanians, however, said they were going to wait a little longer to see if he appeared, so I hope they had the opportunity to dress him down.

I went to Super Baru shortly before 10:00 this morning. The very able parking lot attendant apparently took the day off. The parking spaces out front were full, so I went to the lot across the street. As I turned in, I was confronted with a beige SUV bearing a plate that read "The Citadel South Carolina." He was parked straight in rather than diagonally, occupying two spaces and creating a domino effect of bad parking for those following. Moreover, he hadn't pulled forward enough and was sticking out in the lane, obstructing the coming and going. Getting in and out of the lot was a real chore--lots of pulling backyard, turning, pulling forward, pulling back again, etc. etc. People were furious. I hope Mr. Citadel reads this and recognizes how rude and inconsiderate he is. And I hope the parking attendant returns soon.

Kudos to you, Brandy, for the phenomenal weight loss! You look great!

Demonstration Alert - U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama Location: Panama City, Panama Event: Demonstrations are expected to take place on December 20, 2018, beginning at 8:00am. The group intends to protest on the anniversary of Operation Just Cause. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy will be closed to the public on December 20. Actions to Take: · Avoid Demetrio Lakas Ave. in Clayton in front of the embassy. · Monitor local media for updates. · Avoid demonstrations. · Be aware of your surroundings. Assistance: U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama 507-317-5000 Panama-ACS@state.gov https://pa.usembassy.gov/ State Department - Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

Change in U.S. Passport Services Appointment Scheduling In order to better serve our customers, all U.S. passport services will be by appointment only starting December 26, 2018. Walk-in services for passport renewals will no longer be available. To schedule a passport renewal appointment, please visit: https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/default.asp?postcode=PNM&appcode=1. The average wait time for a renewal passport is 10-20 days. Please check the expiration dates of your and your family’s passports and do not delay. Use the link above to schedule an appointment ahead of time. Please see http://panama.usembassy.gov for additional information. Assistance: U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama 507-317-5000 Panama-ACS@state.gov https://pa.usembassy.gov/ State Department - Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

U.S. Embassy Panama’s Consular Section will be closed for routine services December 24 and December 31, 2018 Please see http://panama.usembassy.gov for additional information, including the U.S. Embassy’s holiday calendar. Assistance: U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama 507-317-5000 Panama-ACS@state.gov https://pa.usembassy.gov/ State Department - Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 Panama Country Information Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

It's hard for me to understand the fun in this "sport."

Ranger has been found and is back at The Sandwich Shop being cared for by Ed.

I agree with you, Jim, about things having changed back home. This is particularly true for those who have been here a long time. In my case, I am returning to be near my son, and he has relocated from our hometown of Tallahassee to Richmond, Va. So it'll be a whole new adventure for me. I have visited a number of times and think I'll be happy there. Of course developing a new set of friends at my age may be a challenge.

Thank you, Mike. I'm disappointed that this has not gotten more play in the mainstream press. Or maybe I missed it (even though I'm a newshound).

I believe the contractor has given a March date for completion of everything. But it's certainly nice to have the main roads largely done. May be I'll go get my car aligned and washed soon.

The demographics have changed. When we came expats were largely those with adequate to substantial retirement incomes who built nice homes because the inventory of upscale homes was small. It's been my observation that many if not most of those coming today are trying to stretch their social security checks and therefore are renting instead of buying. I have lived in Boquete for 12 years and have not regretted making the move. The expat community here is phenomenal, I've indulged my passion for gardening, and I have made many, many friends. I particularly love all the volunteer opportunities here--which makes you feel like you're really contributing to bettering the world in some small way. It was something I've always wanted to do but was unable to in my working years. My house currently is for sale and I plan to return to the States because, after my husband died 2-1/2 years ago, I find that I'm getting too old to live alone and don't want to spend my final years so far away from family and friends back home. Perhaps even more importantly, good health insurance (and I believe in good health insurance) has become outrageously expensive at my age, and it's time to go back and cash in on the Medicare I've paid for. I predict that Boquete will experience a renaissance now that the roads are nearing completion and the Panamonte bridge is operable. But, as Twin Wolf points out, who knows what the upcoming new government has in store and how it will affect expats and potential expats?

The findings of a study conducted by The New England Journal of Medicine conclude that taking one low dose aspirin a day may be dangerous for those who have not suffered previous cardiovascular issues. Upon reading it, my mouth dropped open as the low dose aspirin regime has been endorsed by the medical community for a long time. I took the article from the latest edition of AARP's online newsletter. Low Dose Aspirin May be Harmful for Healthy Adults

The following is a relatively succinct rundown of the some of the most important facts relating to social security, as reported in the latest edition of the AARP online newsletter. (It comes from me, not from the Embassy, but this still seemed like the most appropriate forum.) 12 Top Things to Know about Social Security