Marcelyn

Last week we were invited to a friend’s house to enjoy the view from their balcony and watch the hummingbirds. What a treat to see clouds racing across the sky and thinking this is the top of the world. Started wondering about these tiny birds with a lifespan of 3 to 5 years, measure about 3 inches in length, and have a heartbeat of 200 times a minute. I see them around our house getting nectar from colorful flowers using their long narrow bills and tongue. Their tongues are groved like the shape of a “W” with tiny hairs that help lap up nectar—-similar to a cat’s tongue. There are more than 300 species of hummingbirds and are found only in the Western Hemisphere from Alaska to Chile. Most live in the tropics. And yes, they migrate alone, not in a flock. Have no sense of smell, but can hear better than humans. Now that name hummingbird comes from flapping their wings so fast (720 to 5400 times per minute when hovering) that they make a humming noise.The average flying speed is 30 miles an hour but they can travel as fast as 60 miles an hour. They almost never stop moving. Legs are so small and weak they typically can’t walk at all and use their feet for perching. Hummers are the only birds that can fly up, down, sideways, backwards and forward like a helicopter. They can even fly upside down. And Now I Know.....a bit more about the birds of Chiriqui. Below are two stock photos of hummingbirds. We find them difficult to photograph.

Good news.

Approximately two years ago Bud and I were in the medical waiting room of Dr. Gómez. We noticed a female (guessing early 20’s) was being helped from a car parked out front. Her boy friend and another woman (B&B owner) were half carrying and partly dragging this young girl to Dr. Gomez’s door. Admission paperwork was started by the nurse (who didn’t speak English) and none of the three arrivals spoke Spanish. This was not working! Bud started helping with the language barrier by asking the young woman her name, what had happened, etc. In between her crying spells, we learned that four days earlier the young couple had been riding an ATV at the beach in Bocas. The equipment overturned and dragged the female thru mud and resulted in her leg injury. Went to a doctor (really a vet) and was given pills. Not antibiotic as she thought, and she had never had a tetanus shot. We waited for this screaming female with a seriously infected leg to be treated by the doctor. I didn’t see the wound, but it had to be really bad and causing great pain. After many, many minutes (and much screaming) the girl was being placed back into the car. We heard conversation about going to the David hospital and not having any insurance. Will always wonder if this girl lost her leg.

That Flossy is one very lucky dog!

Yesterday our last night at Oasis Restaurant was a bit sad ? and I might even have had a tear in my eye when we gave goodbye hugs to Calixto and Neyra. Both people indicated they will move on to other opportunities. We wish them much success.

Yup. Felt the tremor....was strong enough to get me out of bed. I think time was around 11:00pm.

Dra. Chely is amazing. This was the day for Anouk’s check-up which included worming pills and rabies shot. Dra. Chely inspected Anouk’s ears and did a thorough exam of our dog’s teeth and mouth condition. All good news now, but Dra. Chely pointed to enamel lost because of bad diet fed by Anouk’s earlier owners. (Remember Anouk is a rescue dog.) Fur condition outstanding — shines. Dra. Chely asked what dog food we are feeding Anouk and gave immediate approval of our selection. Should mention she said “no treats” because Anouk is overweight and cautioned this is bad for her heart. Longer walks needed! Except for a weight problem (my fault because I am the “food lady”), Anouk’s heart, lungs, feet, etc., are in excellent condition. Dra. Chely kissed our dog, gave her a hug and said to me “Anouk has a good home now”. Everyone happy and home we go.

Sassy: can you also inquire at PriceSmart for these products (they used to stock them): 100% Alaskan Salmon Oil (320 count) Kirkland dog biscuits (15 pound box) Thanks. Marcelyn

We provide breakfast (scrambled eggs, ham or sausage, tortillas and lots of coffee) for our part-time housekeeper and gardener. They also eat lunch with us on their work days. Both happily eat whatever I serve, but a surprise is their favorite food is spaghetti and green salad. Another favorite is roasted garlic.

I’ve seen a car driven off the upper levels of a parking garage in movies. Never thought it might happen in real life. Scary.

Yes, we visited Dr. Dru for a back treatment but remember his talent for story telling. I recall the one about riding his bike and noticing a fer-de-lance snake keeping pace with him. Dr. Dru decided to increase his speed and that snake did the same. The race was on! When Dr. Dru checked his bike speedometer....18 miles per hour! Dr. Dru said he got the heck out of there, away from that snake.

In times past different hotels in Panama City would allow us to leave our car when we stayed with them before flying on to Houston. There was no charge; i.e. free. Yesterday we were told there would be a $5.00 per day charge for leaving our car at their facility. A few hotels quoted $8.00 per day

If my count information is correct, this is number two. How many more vehicles are owned by Bomberos? Maybe the “raspberries bus” is a candidate?

Or just call Alison!

Well now......perhaps I am misinformed, but I thought the reason for and purpose of Embassies was to serve and aid citizens in a foreign country, especially during an emergency or when people have a problem. This information from Stephanie Espinal sounds to me like the US Embassy in Panama City has a different view for their existence. Is our Embassy losing their focus?

Seems the alert message for today is: Watch out for flying small cars, the yellow screamers, and now Bomberos on the road. What will tomorrow bring?

Late Friday morning (April 23) Bud and I were at Chiriqui Hospital in David. A technician came to the waiting area to escort Bud to the x-ray room. Suddenly another staff member interrupted and announced there was an emergency involving a young boy possibly with hantavirus and asked Bud to return to the waiting area. After 30 plus minutes, Bud was recalled for his x-ray. No word about condition of the young boy.

Doug, I don’t know if the laws apply to the indigenous people of Chiriqui. Perhaps it is a cultural difference in how the situation of children as mothers is viewed.

I remember a few years ago there was a “consignment situation” where people learned that “being right” or “truth” is not a defense when publicly criticizing a business. Publicly criticizing an individual, as well as a business or organization, may have consequences also.

Today I stayed in our car with Anouk while Bud was inside the store. During a short period of time I counted 26 cars approaching a stop sign leading to the major downtown street. Busy Saturday I guess; 22 of the vehicles did not stop and some of the drivers only looked in one direction before crossing or turning into the roadway.

Thanks, Keith.

“Will heads roll”? Funny man! My question: Where did all those people attending the game park their cars?

I’ve been at Multibank and seen customers walk out the door carrying large amounts of cash visible in their hands. Usually happens on payday Friday. Probably not a good idea.

Thanks for the update.

Keith, the position of car resting on a concrete road divider is almost too silly.I hope no one was seriously hurt, but don’t understand how this kind of accident happens. Seems we need to give a special watch for “flying” cars. Throw these small — often white— vehicles into the mix with “yellow screamers” and we hope no one is color blind.