14 years ago I arrived in Panama to start my new life here. I wasn’t sure what to expect or how it would work. But, why not give it a go. I figured the worst that could happen was it wouldn’t work and we would have to decide what to do next. But after 14 years it’s clear that it was a great move.

Now, it feels like home. We know our way around and how to get things done. My Spanish is much better and I can communicate fairly well in most situations. We moved here because we couldn’t afford to live in the USA without working, but now I am glad of that. If we had enough money we would have missed this great experience and our wonderful Panamanian friends. We are thankful every day for our happy lives here.

I think the last time I wrote, I was still recovering from surgery for my detached retina. That was quite a thing and really knocked me down for quite a while. But, I’m back to myself now, just in time for another surgery. It is very common to get a cataract after the retina surgery, so that surgery is planned in a couple days. I expect it will be super easy compared to the other one, and I am looking forward to getting my vision back in that eye.

In other news, we had a big earthquake yesterday. Thankfully we came through it really well! There was some property damage, especially close to the epicenter, but no damage or loss of life to people. I happened to be on Facetime with my sister at the time, so that was pretty strange. Hey look, everything is shaking! It felt really strong and went on for quite a while, more than any of the other earthquakes we have felt. But, nothing happened here at the house. I think schools and government buildings were closed for inspections, but from what I have heard nothing more than cracks in walls and other minor damage was found. News is still coming out though so I hope I am right on that.

Music and the band has been a big thing since we have been here, but we are pretty much retired from that. We are getting too old, and it takes so much work and energy! The venue we loved has been remodeled into a fancy restaurant, which just isn’t the same. This change has freed up a lot of time in my life, and I am loving the opportunity to rebuild yet another retirement life. I’m in an exercise class at the gym which I have come to love. I’ve been studying some things online that interest me, and when my eye is fixed I’m going to take photography classes. Maybe I’ll have more time for friends, or painting, or who knows what else. It’s so fun to have a life of things you want to do, not just what you have to do.

So, that’s about all I have to say about what is going on here these days. The fun critters still share the terrace with me. It’s the height of rainy season and we have been getting a lot of downpours. But ,when you are retired, you can watch it rain from the terrace and enjoy life.