JohnF13

Bonnie, I wasn't being flippant, merely realistic.  I went through a 21 day power outage in the dead of winter in Canada, where no electricity means no water, no heat and the consequences could be fatal.  Here, not so much.  After the power outage I went off-grid and ran my own power station for 5 years.  I know the ins and outs of generators batteries, inverters and solar power, along with the need to load balance so my equipment would not be overloaded.  Why have improvements not been made?  Look at your power bill, the amount you pay is minimal, the subsidies are huge.  No money means no improvement, that's simple economics.  I just don't understand people who want a $40 monthly bill but think  that Cadillac service is a right.

It all comes down to cost.  In Canada winter electricity supply was essential.  Here, not so much.  I have been looking into a 5kw genny but so far, have not been able to justify the cost.  So the lights go out, sio what?  My propane stove runs without electricity, my UPS systems keep me in internet access for several hours, my water is gravity fed, I have lots of 12 volt lamps and flashlights.  What more does a boy need ?  So you can't see the latest episode of real housewives, but maybe that's a good thing.

Steve, we are from Eastern Ontario and lived much the same as you - we had to rely on ourselves for everything from policing to water to electricity (21 days without in January during the 1998 ice storm).  We moved from a property that we had been in for 25 years and have never looked back.  We did everthing wrong (according to the experts), bought cars and a house within three months of getting here for tge first time.  As long as you are used to social deprivation (as you seem to be) then you will get aling fine here.  Yes, the little towns and villages can be a bit depressing, but that is Canada 30-40 years ago.  You will need to get used to bars on windows and being aware of your surroundings, but those are small things.  Don't restrict yourself to Boquete, it is a love or hate relationship town, I don't live there but go a couple of times a week to get stuff.  Let me know if you want to talk or meet when you come for the next visit, I will be happy to give you the good and the bad.  Last comment, buy health insurance, wayyyyyy too many folks don't because "we were healthy and it was a waste of money".....

If these messages are "personal", why is this discussion in public?  Seems to me all Bud did was to correct a misconception.

We have been out of the dog game for a few years now but now are looking at the possibility of getting another  dane, my wife's favourite dog after, of course, Irish Wolfhounds.  Obviously a Wolfie wouldn't do well here, too much fur, so a dane is the choice.  Anyone know of one in Panama?  Kris, if yiu read this, any contacts maybe further out?  

Well, after following the local crime spree news that has now settled down I found I have no more use for .ning, I am now a former .ningbat.  I can get all the info I need at alternate sites such as this one and Chiriqui Chatter.  

Please state the scientific proofs for your claims.  Also, please provide the double blind studies that prove your assertions.

Hmmm, I find myself agreeing with Chica.  Bad, bad me.  I, along with my wife, have lived in a few countries, so a move to Panama was, well, just another move.  We didEVERYTHING wrong according to the "experts", arrived for a check it out trip and never left.  Also, we bought a house within three months knowing that resales are a problem.  But, a couple of things.  We are independent and do not rely on others for help.  We didn't buy a McMansion, instead improved a house with good bones as we saw fit.  We can both do carpentry, electrical wiring, plumbing and even welding, so we don't need much from others - and that, to me, is the trick here.  If you arrive and are dependent on others you are going to either get gringo'd or the work will be shoddy.  Are we happy here?  Absolutely.  Will we ever move again - never say never, but it is unlikely.  Chica is right, it takes a special kind of person to accept the limitations and frustrations of life in Panama but if you are that kind of person, you will love it here.  Those trying to stretch their pension income and the permanent tourists will likely never feel completely at home - in their background mind will always be the thought that they can go home again if things get tough.  That is no way to feel comfortable here.  Many countries ago I hailed fron the U.K., have lots of family there.  Would I go back?  Nah, been there, done that.  Now, Thailand?  Hmmmm, interesting!  But I am getting older and this place is everything I have ever wanted, so likely here I stay.  People, make arrangements for health insurance, wills and everything else.  Don't ever forget, there is only one way out of life, be prepared.

Unfortunately, the long term answer is simple - spend the money and get good insurance.  Your homr government isn't going to send a medivac plane to take you back for treatment, no matter how much you wish it so.

I haven't been banned yet,  I feel slighted. What do I need to do to get into the club?

My last comment too, MR. Woolford.  When Bud Huber was asked questions about this new site he responded quickly, extensively and, IMHO, honestly.  Compare that to your evasiveness and of the two, I most certainly know who I trust.

Over and out.

Just pointing out that guns are not the major cause of illegal death in the US.  As for "I believe", that was the information given to me by the gun dealer in David and even he does not know if and when the ban will be lifted.  Let me put this simply for you as you seem to think you should be able to dictate what posessions others have - it is none of your damn business.  BTW, the gun used in recent assaults in this area was an illegal one, so no amount of gun control would have prevented them.  On the other hand, a well-armed polulace might have.  If you need stats, look at gun violence in Chicago (probably the most regulated city in the US) and Huston.

Chica/ Ray, the ban on importation was extended to January, I Believe.  Chica, according to FBI stats, more people are killed in the US by hammers and clubs than by long guns....Just sayin'....

The TRUTH, Keith, is that you are not doing yourself sny favours, especially by the juvenile deflecting you are attempting.

Oooh, a daimler double six......loved those cars

Was just talking to a builder friend of mine who lives in this area.  He told me he had offered to donate several thousands of dollars in materials and time to rebuild the police station at the cruce in Potrerillos.  He was told no, we only want cash.  THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE!  If we, as a community, are going to donate time, materials and money to this cause then I suggest we need the following:

A Corporationis formed to receive any donations.

The local government donatesvthe land and the current building to the corporation.

All items received sre subject to a monthly audit by a board of concerned citizens.

Sounds radical, but in the past, Marion and Marvin Clamp donated things to the current police station.  Those things went missing.  Enough is enough, we hsve to tell the local authorities that we will not countenance more of "the same".

I was at the Tuesday meeting.  Very informative, concise and interesting.  Plan to attend, you will learn something,

Give Embrey Koonce a call, 6758 6701.  He is just finishing up an extension job for me and is also building a house from the ground up in Alto Boquete.  He has good workers who actually care about the quality of their work.  Disclaimer, although he is a friend of mine, I am in no way connected to his business.

I wish to tell everyone that I am personally aware that my social commentary , enlightened as it may be, may cause lamentations amongst the general readership and for that I apologise in advance.  Phewww, its good to get that out in the open.  Over to you, Wry.

From the inquiring minds need to know column, on a new board like this how does one member get credited with 2,202 posts?  Just wondering........

Most, if not all criminals are lazy and will pick on soft targets.  Make no mistake, theses kids had previously been watching and noting the deficiencies in the house defenses.  Some people do not like window bars, that's OK as long as you have other means of defense.  Perimeter alarms, panic horns (BIGones, boat horns do not work in a rural setting) a safe room and a plan that you have practised and can put into action autqomatically when you are woken in the middle of the night are all helpful.  The whole goal is not to get yourself into a situation where you may get hurt.  It is just a fact that crime involving youth is getting worse in our area, people need to be able to prevent bad things from happening to them, it is up to you to do that.  No amount of police presence will make you safe if you make bad security decisions.

One of my workers told me that the 13 year old was re-arrested this mornung due to the outcry.  Don't have confirmation of that yet.