Penny

Best name for a band that I've heard for quite awhile. Maybe even better than "Black-eyed Peas".

Bonnie is the ultimate proof-reader; newslady, not so much. In any case it turns out that this abandoned dog is being cared for by the folks who run the Rock Restaurant and the Riverside Inn. They are feeding and medicating him. He was returned to them yesterday.

I closed my Panama checking account when I discovered that they had taken more than $100 out of my account because my balance had fallen too low. In the many months it was too low (by just a few dollars) could they not have sent me an email? The once every couple of years I need to write a check, I pay about $5 for a cashier's check. I also cancelled my Panama bank ATM cards. The fees were terrible.

A trusted Panamanian friend has told me that the labor union Sun Tracs plans to close all the Boquete roads on Thursday. Given the state of the roads, it's probably pretty easy to close them.

Somebody needs to go to this and report back "what is glamping?"

Also, it seems additional people cost $10 admission. What does the first person cost? A potluck dish to pass?

Very confusing.

Is this possibly a vacation to Boquete on taxpayer expense?

What I've noticed is that cars and trucks will park across the entrance to the handicap spot thus effectively blocking its use but not technically parking in the reserved spot. This is a quite common sight.

Seven of us left Boca Chica about 10 AM with Captain Beto. Our first stop was "Piedra Ventana" (Window Rock). We dared Captain Beto to motor through the window but he wisely declined. There's a lady named Diana in Boca Chica who organizes these excursions.

Our first sighting was a playful group of dolphins who entertained us with their jumps and dives.

We started seeing whales almost immediately including a mama and a baby.

Then a stop at an uninhabited island for a picnic and a swim.

And here we are, our little group of "Survivors"

Life is good in Panama

23 hours ago, Keith Woolford said:

Lot of speculation there.

You're right, Keith. I won't know exactly what he died from until I speak to his sister on Saturday. I do know that Hospice couldn't find needed donors for him because of the requirements imposed by Hospital Regional. And I also know that expats have died in the past from lack of blood (according to Hospice).

I hope you're not an apologist for the way this country has laws about blood donation that are senseless and outdated. Currently the requirements are that you have to be under 65, not out of the country for six months, and not on most common medicines. These requirements eliminate about 99.9% of expat donors.

The Panamanian guy in hospital regional that Hospice solicited for two weeks ago died. Probably from lack of blood. His funeral is today. Panama doesn't seem to care. It seems they cling to their stupid system at a cost of peoples' lives.

On 3/25/2018 at 1:17 PM, Penny said:

Are you looking for a dedicated scanning solution with great quality, versatility and a compact design? Then the CanoScan LiDE110 Color Image Scanner is sure to impress. The CanoScan LiDE110 features the quality, speed and ease of use you need with a maximum resolution of 2400 x 4800 (Optical) dpi1 for excellent scanning quality for both photos and documents.  You can buy a cheaper scanner but if you need high resolution, this is the one.

Auto Scan Mode automatically adjusts settings by detecting what you are scanning

High-speed letter size color scanning in approx. 18 seconds

Just one USB cable for data and power

Advanced Z-lid expansion top for scanning bulky items

2400X4800 DPI, A4 size

$59.99 on Amazon.com. This scanner has been tested by the Handicap Foundation. Guaranteed for 30 days. Just $20. Email pjbarrett@aol.com to buy

We've reduced the price of this scanner to $20. It's in like new condition and the resolution is much better than the printer/scanner/copier multi purpose device most people have. If you're a photographer or an artist (or just want cleaner scans), this is for you. Email pjbarrett@aol.com to buy for $25.

This very nice apartment will be available about Sept 10. A single person is best but a couple who is friendly with each other will also work.

Not only the neighborhood is great; the neighbors are also great.

Wonder if they accept Hormel in the can?

23 hours ago, Brandy said:

And, in radio trivia, radio stations located east of the Mississippi River started their call letters with "W", and those west of the Mississippi started theirs with "K".  For example, WSM is located in Nashville, TN, while KEZK is located in St. Louis, MO.

Brandy is well known locally as the queen of trivia ??

6 minutes ago, Siempre Soluciones said:

I just picked up five pounds of ground pork containing 30% fat from Palacio's to make Italian sausages, they do custom orders on the spot.

I also like the Palacio butcher shop. The butcher used to work in the US and he knows cuts of meat that Panamanian butchers don't know -- like a chuck roast. However, if you want a special cut (like chuck roast) you have to give him a day or so to produce. I usually buy my hamburger here. They also have great pork chops in the freezer.

Coming back from Price Smart, turn right by the DK Tire store. Go about 3 blocks. You will see the Palacio (fleabag) hotel on the left. Drive across the intersection and the Palacio butcher shop is on the left.

Edgar Vargas

19 hours ago, Marcelyn said:

Where are these cookies available for purchase? Want to try them.

In any grocery store. Yummmm.

The sale starts at 8 AM, August 18,  at the Handicap Foundation Building located just north of the unfinished polyclinica and across the street from Chopsticks Chinese Restaurant.

This is a great little machine, light weight and portable. Easy to use, foot control, adjustable stitch length, reverse setting, drop in bobbin, free arm for cuffs and sleeves, carry handle and extra's.

• Sewing machine with durable lockstitch for mending seams and tears
• Adjustable stitch lengths and speeds; reverse stitch setting; free arm
• Foot control frees hands to guide the fabric; drop-in bobbin; carrying handle
• Extra needle, bobbins, needle threader, thread trimmer, and manual included
• Measures approximately 12 by 5 by 9 inches

Guaranteed for 30 days. For sale by the Handicap Foundation for $50. Can be seen at the venta de patio, Saturday, August 18, from 8 - 2. The Handicap Foundation is across the street from Chopsticks Chinese Restaurant. Email pjbarrett@aol.com for information or to buy.

I submit that the best made in Panama product is Maria Cookies. Delicious !!

My Panamanian friends and I again visited Unplugged the other day. I just want to restate that their hand cut french fries are the best I've ever tasted and their patacones extremo as an appetizer were (again) amazing. This time I had the Philly Cheese steak instead of the hamburger. Delicious. Lots of sauteed onions and peppers and pretty good beef.

Again, all for $7 including the lemonade drink.

This was the biggest flea market ever. Hardly a foot of unused space. Vendors everywhere. Even a blow-up jump house for the kids.

The buying crowds were there also. These flea markets are becoming a must do Sunday thing for many of our neighboring Panamanians -- and a good share of gringos also.

Some friends and I went to the old standby, the Pianista, last night. The pizza we shared was so beautiful I had to break my vow and photograph my food. The pizza was a delicious as it was photogenic. Here it is:

10 hours ago, Bonnie said:

Nor sufficiently American, being from Canada.?

Ooooh, Bonnie. I think you just opened up that old can of worms about who is an American.

We expect the Pat Chan talk to be very popular. Please come early to get a seat.