Wow, a while back I wrote the post Connection, inspired by a video that really moved me. Many other people also found it so meaningful that they commented, wrote to me, and passed it along on their blogs and social media. People have found my blog through these shares and have become new followers. I have visited some of their blogs and found the most interesting people – writers, artists, and all kinds of loving, creative, and wonderful people.
And now, I don’t have anything to say. Sometimes things are happening or I have ideas in my head that I want to write about, and at other times it just feels blank in there.
Of course there is the political nonsense in the US. I try to stay out of it but that is almost impossible. Even the Panamanians ask my opinion everywhere I go. A new friend from the UK says people are taking to the streets in her country in support and solidarity. There were women’s marches in so many countries that every continent was represented. I am filled with gratitude and hope because of all these wonderful people. Maybe as my new UK friend says, this negativity is what we need to wake us up and fight for what is right. Meanwhile though, there will be a lot of muck to suffer through.
I guess my head wasn’t a total blank after all 😀 Mostly though, it’s just regular life here. I got stung by a bee on my eyelid, first real sting since I’ve been here. It was my fault though. I had been ripping out an overgrowth for a while, not realizing that there was a bee hive in there. Finally only one came out and nailed me good. I used to keep honey bees in the US and they would have sent out the whole cavalry if I did that to them. You would think here in the tropics the bugs would be a huge problem but they aren’t at all.
We have been dancing. Since Joel is always on stage we never get to dance together like regular people, so we have been turning on the music in the living room. I have minimal experience dancing but I’m catching on and having fun, and he is also exposing me to a lot of music I don’t know. It’s probably good exercise too. I hope so since I didn’t meet my biking goals last week.
I did set out this morning on the bike with the best of intentions. I clicked down to low gear to go up the hill in our neighborhood and bam, there went the chain right over the gear and wedged itself next to the axle where it’s almost impossible to get out. I decided I’m not dealing with that ever again so off we went to the bike shop.
Now I have a nice plastic guard thing so this won’t happen again, thanks to the suggestion of my biker son-in-law. Parts and labor were $5. Tomorrow I’m going to clean that funky chain!
I’m back in painting class again, and finally finished my latest one. The teacher kept asking for more light here, more shade there so much that I think it’s almost overdone, but hopefully my friend is happy with it. Another friend requested a calla lily and I have that one composed in my head. I’m excited to start it and see if I can bring it into reality.
I went out Saturday night to Joel’s gig and had a great time. They sounded fantastic, a number of my friends were out so I had people to dance with and it was so much fun. So… dancing, painting, trying not to discuss politics (unsuccessfully), biking a little, doing a few chores and errands, hanging out with friends… the tough life of a retired gringa.
The Panama Adventure 
Gorgeous painting! Kris, you always have interesting things to say and I listen! Hugs to you.
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Thank you amiga 🙂
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Hola Kris,
I love reading your blog. I have 40+ years of history with Panama but very little of it involved seeing Panama from the gringo point of view. You are one of the very few who have tackled Panama head on and written plainly about the experience. Your blog should be required reading for anyone planning a long term stay.
I think your last sentence should read: the retired life of a tough gringa.
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But, you are a gingo too.
Tough gringa? Nah, except for some problems with the language, this has been by far the easiest move I’ve done. And then I got to settle in to this happy life. It’s even become the neighborhood joke… throw hand to forehead… “mi vida difícil!” when we talk about some insignificant problem, to remind ourselves that we have it pretty darn good here.
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Very true but I am a gringo living with a Chiricana for 40 years. Nena did not speak English when we met and my Spanish, as they say, was not Christian. So my trips to Panama never presented the problems that expats encounter daily. You have taken the correct, if not the easiest, path by immersing into the culture head on. I think that is an admirable feat.
Posting about the journey is a huge help to those who are thinking about Panama as a destination.
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OK, so maybe it was easier with a Chiricana by your side but you’re still a gringo. 😀
I’m not sure which expat path is actually easier though. We hear about so many problems between gringos who all live in the same town and get into each other’s business. Here in our Panamanian neighborhood life is peaceful, and we complain about the hot sun, low water pressure, and the darn squirrels who eat all the flowers off the hibiscus. If you can speak enough Spanish it’s just as easy to join a Panamanian neighborhood, and the locals will do anything they can to help you in the process.
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Our neighborhood we complain about the hot sun, the high water bills, and the same $#% squirrels! Haha
I’ll take a Panamanian neighborhood anytime.
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For someone who thought they were at a loss for words – you composed an interesting post. Everyday life is quite interesting. You seem to be having adventures and joys in the simple things. Enjoyed your post. 🙂
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LOL I know… sometimes I can’t get started but then I don’t know when to stop. Yes we have a simple but very happy life here. Thanks for stopping by and commenting 🙂
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Dear Kris — Sounds like we’re living similar lives in different countries. Retirement is wonderful — even on the pittance that we receive. It works. Very sorry about the bee sting. Not fun! But as you say — any other colony would have sent the “cavalry” to vanquish the attacker.
I know what you mean about “I should write something.” It’s so often like that with my blogging. Fortunately, there are so many aspects of community life here that are new and fascinating to me that I usually don’t have long to wait for another interesting topic to arise. And in the meantime, I enjoy reading what my WordPress blogging community has to say — far better than anything in the “news” that’s for sure. Well, carry on, My Dear — good “knowin'” you, Alia
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If your pittance is enough to live on though, all is well. I learned a long time ago that as long as your basic needs are met, money has nothing to do with how happy you are. You have a satisfying life in a happy place with good people, and that’s the important stuff! Good knowin you too 🙂
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Yes — a satisfying life, in a good place with good people — that’s the ticket.
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