Category: Uncategorized

I cannot believe how long it took me to get to this page! So many things are changing so quickly with security walls. I really dislike the one that asks, “How many bridges or how many motorcycles.” I don’t know! Is that a bridge? No, that’s just steps. Is that motorcycle? No, I think it’s a shadow of a bike that’s being carried on top of a car. Then they send you an email for verification. Then a code to your phone. This is one area where I hope AI will make my life easier.

I was listening to this podcast today with Mo Gawdat. He is the former Chief Business Officer of Google X. I would call him the Eckhart Tolle of technology. He has a very strong spiritual side and has a very hopeful outlook on the future of technology. I plan to listen to this again, especially the last 10 minutes or so where he talks about where AI will be in, I think, eight years. He says AI will be billion(s?) of times more intelligent than normal humans and will also have a code of ethics. “Humanity is an amazing being when judged by its top. The worst of humans are scum. The best of humans are amazing.” Wow! Intelligence AND ethics? How can this be a bad thing?

So, last night was my first night in probably eight years that I didn’t take Ambien before attempting to go to sleep. Did I sleep great? No, not really, but, thanks to my Fitbit, I can see that I slept 6h 45m (I usually sleep 8-10). There was at least one point where I almost gave in and took the Ambien, but I listened to this podcast yesterday, and the attitude of this scientist changed my attitude. She encouraged me to let go of the fear of not sleeping. I won’t get sick or become insomniac, which I remember all too well. Looks like we have a lot to learn about sleep. Fingers crossed.

On Thursday evening I had dinner with part of “the gang.” We went to Panamonte, which is one of my favorite, and, I think, the oldest restaurant in Boquete. Such a treat!

I’m back at my calligraphy practice. I’ve been doing the Daily Challenges on the Copperplate for All Facebook group. The challenges the past couple of months have been names of countries, their populations and capitols. I’m getting to the point where I can almost write all letters without looking at the exemplar. Sort of like learning how to type without looking at the keyboard. Numbers are another story. They are new to me.

I sent my practice to Ash one day about a month ago saying that I didn’t expect feedback but thought he might like to know that I’m still practicing. He said, “I absolutely know you won’t give up. I been seeing your penmanship! I think I see a great amount of confidence in your letterforms! You surely need some working with ovals, but I’m sure with time you will get that under your stride and have command over it!.

By my calculation (he doesn’t keep track), he owes me two sessions. Once I feel like I’m ready, I’ll ask him to give me some feedback.

Jerry texted me yesterday and asked if I liked oatmeal cookies. “Indeed!” These were delicious. I ate them all immediately.

The Best Oatmeal Cookies!

Since blueberries are outrageously expensive, I am enjoying one of my Panamanian favorites with my breakfast. Papaya!!

Yesterday I made yogurt. Unfortunately, I bought skimmed milk. Today it is draining. I prefer Greek style, which is not available in the stores. Piero, the goat farmer, sells it, but it’s hard to get and expensive. So, fingers crossed that this meets my high standards.

I’ve been pondering my daily routine. I usually like to start my day with coffee and calligraphy, followed by other activities, including writing. However, I have discovered that the writing doesn’t always get done. I think, for two reasons: (1) I usually put it off until later, and then I’m usually too tired, and (2) I don’t enjoy it as much as I do the calligraphy, painting or Zentangle.

One of the many things I learned from reading Atomic Habits, is that if you really want to get in the habit of doing something, you have to make it part of your identity. So, I have to say, “I’m the kind of person who writes.” Or, even stronger, “I am a writer.” As I told Kathie: This is tough for me for a number of reasons: (1) I feel like I don’t deserve to call myself a writer. She’s a writer, Joanne is a writer. Kim is a writer. I know, dumb. (2) Right now, at least, I don’t enjoy it as much as I enjoy the other things. AND (3) I’m afraid it will take time away from those things. However, there is a bug in my brain pushing me to write more.

THEN I listened to this podcast with Dr. Shane O’Mara, and he’s talking about how walking fosters writing:

I discussed this all with Kathie at our last meeting and together we came up with a new schedule for my writing. Kathie assured me that she, like many writers, do not feel great joy while writing, but, of course, they love having written. So, I’ll START my day with meditation and a walk and then sit down and start writing.

I know that I’m into delayed gratification, so I will motivate myself knowing that I can look forward to doing the calligraphy and artwork later. I’m pretty sure this all goes back to my conditioning: chores first, then play. So, this is my new, tentative schedule. I started it yesterday, which went very well, and today is Sunday, my day of rest. So, so far we’re doing fine.

7:00 – 8:00	Coffee/Meditate
8:00 – 9:30	Walk/Audible/Shop
9:30 – 11:30	Write
11:30-1:30	Exercise
1:30 – 2:30	Calligraphy/Podcast
2:30 – 4:30	Cards/Open Time
4:30 – 6:30	Dinner/Spanish
6:30 – 9:00	Read/Movies
9:00 – 10:00	Bedtime

I spent a good part of the day today getting my work area set up outside. Linda, the landlady, was concerned that I was doing this and warned me about the wind. I heeded her warning, and set everything up so that it is easy to take inside at night.

Now I’m thinking I might ask Jerry if he has a tarp. I just felt a few raindrops, and I don’t want to have to rush if it rains. Last year, when I was higher up the hill, it rarely rained. As a matter of fact, I cannot remember a single day of rain. But Linda said it does rain here, so I want to be prepared. There are a number of microclimates here, so, although it didn’t rain up there, it may very well be the case here.

Shortly after I wrote the above, I sent Jerry a text and asked if he, per chance, had a tarp. He showed up in less than five minutes with one. It started to rain almost immediately. I quickly covered my spot with the tarp and came inside – Bob’s yer uncle!

The tarp just blew off!! Okay, a redo…with rocks holding down the tarp; so far, so good. It gets incredibly windy here. I remember one year having to put my full body weight against my front door in order to be able to close it against the wind. And people have a hard time getting out of their cars.

I spent part of my calligraphy time this morning making this for Jenn and John. I redid it SO many times. Who would guess there were so many spellings for “birthday.” I kept getting it wrong.

I walked into town yesterday and visited a dentist. Her name is Khristel Gutierrez. She is the daughter and sister of the Fernandos I talked about earlier. I texted her shortly after I arrived and asked if she made the dental appliances that prevent snoring. She said she did, and they are $350. I planned to get one from my own dentist in Spring, and the cost was $650. Yes! Dra. Gutierrez assessed me for size and will order it from Panama City. I have to see her four times.

She said that the first week is just exercising with it. Something about manipulating a small ball with the tongue. She told me that she has had very good results with many patients reporting improved sleep. Hope so. I’m almost as annoyed with my own snoring as I used to be with Dan’s!

Now I want to work on getting off the Ambien. I’m only using about 2.5 mg per night, and I realize that this is likely psychological, but I don’t think my doctor is going to continue refilling my prescription. She told me that the medical community is changing their policy on this, not prescribing for people over 65. I’ve heard that cognitive behavioral therapy can help with this, so I’ll give that a try.

The walk into town is fairly easy – all downhill. The only issue is that the road is very narrow, and there are no sidewalks. I was happy I walked over 5 miles yesterday, and my foot felt fine. It’s been bothering me since I felt a snap while walking in October. Diane, my massage therapist, thinks it’s an inflamed tendon. I’m continuing to massage it with Tiger Balm. I’m hoping to walk most days while here. Dan and I are planning to do a Camino in May, so this will be my prep.

Couple of photos from yesterday. This yellow tree was so vibrant against the blue sky. And this is, by far, the biggest beetle I have ever seen. The photo may be hard to judge, but it was at least four inches.

I did a little grocery shopping at Super Baru and found that some of the freezers and shelves were a bit sparse. I was able to get everything I needed for a couple of days. Nancy picked me up, so she could give me the table. We stopped at Sarah’s vegetable stand so I could get some garlic. I walked in and asked the guy sitting at the cash register if they had “ajo.” He said yes and pointed down the aisle to his left. I walked down the aisle and saw only fruit. He asked again what I wanted. Again I said, “ajo.” This time he pointed to a back wall. He said he thought I was asking for an “apple.” He laughed and said he wasn’t expecting me to be speaking Spanish. So, to him, ajo sounded like apple.

Nancy stopped in for a while after she brought me home with my table and groceries. We had a nice chat. Tomorrow I’m going to go to Lady’s Place for a pedicure, and then I’ll be able to visit with Kathy. She lives upstairs from there. I also heard that Betty was finally able to get a propane tank, so the holiday dinner plans are underway. It should be fun.

Barbara is still not feeling well. We might get together this weekend.

I made a pretty good beans-and-rice dish yesterday. Wish I could have gotten cilantro. Today I’m going to have some steamed calabaza (pumpkin squash) and cabbage on the side.

I arrived safe and sound in Boquete on December 1. After all of the doomsday warnings about not being able to travel to Boquete because of the social unrest in regard to a proposed copper mine, it all settled down a few days before my arrival date. There are still some gas, propane and food shortages in town, but it sounds like things are getting back to normal quickly.

Fernando’s son, also Fernando – and just as handsome, picked me up in David without a hitch. We had a pleasant conversation en route to Boquete, filling me in on his and his father’s new construction enterprise. Sounds like business was slightly affected by the inability to get supplies for a while, but he sounded hopeful.

We stopped at Nancy’s to pick up my three plastic tubs of supplies and arrived here at my new place, The Rainbow House, at about 7 pm. It’s a long day. Dan and I left for O’Hare at 3:30 am. So, that’s nearly 15 hours travel. The “worst” is now behind me. I’m so spoiled. I think of how arduous this trip would have been (if possible at all), say even 50 years ago. Now, getting here in one day is a piece of cake.

When I picked up my things at Nancy’s, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Betty had left a bag of groceries for me to get me through the next day or so: milk, eggs, cheese, a bagel, two apples, some roasted potatoes with carrots, and a bottle of wine. How lucky am I? Then, Betty came over last night with a complete dinner of broasted chicken and rice with peas and mushrooms. It is so great to see my Boquete family again. There’s a little bit of an upset going on with them right now, but I know how much they love each other and depend upon one another. Things will soon be back to normal. I believe that there are plans for a holiday party soon.

My room here is perfect. I have no complaints whatsoever. All I hear are the birds singing and an occasional truck vendor driving by, announcing his wares via the truck’s megaphone. Someday I’m going to find out what the heck he is saying. He just rattles something off in a monotone, and then the last two syllables are like music notes – one up and then one down.

Here are a couple shots of my room. So… For some reason (probably bandwidth), my videos are not uploading to YouTube, so I can’t post those right now. I’ll try again in my next post.

This one I’ll try to post by just copying the URL. We’ll see if it works.

Suffice to say right now, I couldn’t be happier. I have a fabulous view, lovely owners (Jerry brought me a homemade pumpkin pudding yesterday), a super-comfortable bed, and plenty of space. I even discovered that the patio, which I thought would be too exposed to the sun, is perfectly shaded by a giant banana tree – the one in the video above. I am in the process of borrowing a table from Nancy, so hopefully I will be out there soon.

I spent the day today at home, inside (mostly), doing calligraphy and getting my 20 pages off to Kathie for our meeting on Friday. I earlier asked if we could put it off for a week, and she said fine, but also that she was okay changing back. As it turned out, I felt ready to start writing yesterday, and told her that I would be ready by Friday after all. So, I spent the majority of my day wording on that. I also did some final rearranging of my kitchen and pantry.

Jerry came this morning to address the lack of hot water in the shower and also the running toilet. He comes immediately when I text him. He said he installed a new, on-demand water heater, and he hasn’t quite figured it out. Turns out the water must be left to run about 3-5 minutes before it gets hot. Something doesn’t sound right to me. I’m sure he’ll figure it out.

He also asked me if I could tend to the plants outside my door. That works for me! So, I have my own little garden.

The final task today is to see if I can get PBS on this television. I brought my Roku box, and this is a Smart TV, so we’ll see how it goes. I had a good laugh a little while ago. Just before I left home, Dan and I bought Mickey a new iPhone 15. That wasn’t the original plan, but I promised that I would get her set up on our Spectrum account before I left, and I couldn’t get an older iPhone to work. Just before I left, I went over and got it set up with her. Part of that was showing her how to use Siri. So, just a few minutes ago, I got a text from her asking, “How do I call Cheri?” I told her she was calling the wrong person, that it was Siri, not Cheri. She figured it out. She always does. That’s how I want to be at 92!!

Just heard a rooster crow! Love that.

I had the girls yesterday morning. One of my favorite conversations was with Cordelia as we were scouring my pantry for “interesting” food.

Cordelia: “Don’t you have any kids?”

Me: No.

Cordelia: “You’ve NEVER been a MOM?!”

Me: No.

She never asked why. I wonder what was going through her brain.

And then later with Marie:

Me: “How’s your ear?” (She had an infection).

Marie: “Its fine. It doesn’t hurt anymore. I’m just taking probiotics.”

I am quite sure that those words never passed my lips at the age of 4.

This is the “scene of the crime” from kindergarten yesterday. Again, they insist on only playing “Wise Kitty.” I’m going to have to figure out how to be okay with this. Truth be told, it is fun watching the stream of creativity come through them and to observe their little mannerisms and conversations, but 4 hours of that is too much for me. Stay tuned.

I should have taken a “before.” Try to picture just the black mat. I’m happy that the game is reserved for the basement. With Dan not here, I’m just going to leave it.

Since I’ve been spending so much time working on my Christmas card, I’ve been listening to a lot of YouTube videos. My latest favorite “influencer” is James Clear. I loved his book Atomic Habits, and so I’ve been looking for interviews. This was a very interesting one today.

He has such a sharp mind. I love his perspectives on things. Here’s one: So, you say you want to improve some aspect of your life. Are you really doing anything about that? Clear says to pretend that aliens are filming your day, and there is no audio. They will get an idea of what you are doing without any commentary. They are just observing your behavior. I find that fascinating.

I also find it very interesting that many competitive males are now making these podcasts and emphasizing the importance of their spiritual growth. Peter Attia, Andrew Huberman, Simon Mundie are examples. The emphasis is being shifted from competition to collaboration. Also love his normalization of our fear of judgment. It stops so many people.

I am so happy that I am almost finished making the Christmas cards. I love making them, but I’m also enjoying this sense of relief that the end is near. I have other projects that are piling up.

Speaking of projects, Mayra is coming tomorrow to help me move ferns and plant bulbs. I love Mayra. And I’m not the only one. I have heard that she has become very close to one of my fellow UU members who is quite elderly and challenged, and she loves Mayra. It is also one of my few opportunities to speak Spanish with a human. We’ve made an agreement that we only speak in Spanish. She is very kind and a good teacher.

Mike is still working on the deck. He talks to himself constantly. Today, I asked him whom he imagines he is talking to, his father?, his sons? He said, “No just myself.” Then he told me that someone he was working for thought there was something seriously wrong with him. I think he said they talked to him about it.

I was relieved to receive a happier note from Dan today. Sounds like he is experiencing better weather and has also connected with some other pilgrims. He’s into bonding. Me, not so much, at least not on the kind of walk I did. Way too many people. Plus, I like keeping to my own schedule. Less hassle. The Arles Camino he is now doing has very few hikers. So, that’s a different story…sometimes.

I had such a lovely day today, and I especially appreciated it after reading the latest email from Dan about his Camino travails. I replied that I was happily ensconced on my deck (now heated) reading his emails, listening to the bleating of goats and Purple Rain blasting on Mike’s radio as he works on the deck.

“Bleating of goats you may ask?” Our neighbors rented goats to eat their underbrush. I feel like I’m sitting in a B&B in Europe somewhere.

Today’s taste treat. Gotta love Costco!! These figs are perfect!

And look at this little Delicate beauty that volunteered in one of my planters.

I’m still working on my Christmas card. I think I will reassess my plan (aka have my head examined) if I ever decide to do this again. I love making them, but it’s starting to go on a bit too long. I realized that 100 cards was not enough, so now I’m on overtime. I’m not a huge fan of Christmas, which is one reason why I leave for the winter; however, there is something about the joyful surprises. I like that.

I’m also back working on the Camino book. I have my first appointment with Kathie on the 22nd. So, writing is soon to take up a greater chunk of my day. I’d like to get the cards finished. I think I will actually be meeting with Kathie in person this time. Last time I worked with her was during Covid, so it was all on Zoom.

Just for the record, I fractured my left wrist and tore (or completed a tear) of the left medial meniscus while playing pickle ball on August 8th. So, yes, I’m one of the many seniors who has suffered an injury due to this popular sport. When I went to Orthopedic Associates, I even got a T-shirt. So, I’m one of the club! Actually, I’m out of commission for a while. The wrist is much better, and not so important since I’m right-handed, but the knee still feels very vulnerable. I can walk fine, but I can’t pivot, and that would not be a good thing while trying to play pickle ball. Oh, the joys of aging.

I’m reading a book right now by Peter Attia titled Outlive. Attia, an MD and researcher on longevity, suggests that we create our own personal Centenarian Decathlon. He says to make a list of the ten things you want to be able to do when you are at your oldest. So far, my list looks like this, which is all the things I can presently do and want to continue:

• Stand up from a seated position (chair or floor) without using my hands.
• Walk up and down the basement stairs in fewer than 8 seconds.
• Hike 15-20 miles in one day.
• Lift weight at a decent level for my age, including dumbbells, bags and boxes (no children).
• Maintain balance on one foot (or a balance board) for one minute.
• Maintain my current level of cognitive ability as measured on the AARP website.

Four more to add. I’ll see what comes up as I read the book. I sent Attia a message asking for his opinion on using the DEXA scan to “diagnose” osteoporosis. Not very likely that he will answer, but…stay tuned.

A lovely quote I came upon recently while reading Chemistry Lessons: Your days are numbered. Use them to throw open the windows of your soul to the sun. – Marcus Aurelius

That quote gives me the same feeling as a phrase I came across in my preparation for our next Soul Matters class: “Love on the loose.”

Another lovely day with my favorites girls.

While playing Wise Kitty (aka Cordelia) I was told that I was the teenager, so my job was to clean the litter box. I said I couldn’t because there was no scoop. “Hang on,” Cordelia said and disappeared upstairs, reappearing with this handy-dandy scoop. Complete with slots she informed me.

Then, of course, we had our art session. I loved both creations. I was quite surprised with Marie’s work (R). She used the little hearts that reminded me of cards I made last year. I used them to make flowers that look almost exactly like Marie’s. Then she floored me when she grabbed the pearl and put it in the center!

I had to hunt down my card. Here it is.

Cordelia: “There’s a song about a rainbow.”

Me: Oh, right, Somewhere over the Rainbow. (Not sure if that’s what she meant). Do you want me to play it on the computer?

Cordelia: No.

Marie: Yes!! I want to hear it.

Cordelia: I’m just not that into songs.

Marie won.

https://youtu.be/REE6mCRZOY4

Marie: a budding Greta Garbo.

https://youtu.be/G1bn1C8FRJY

https://youtu.be/JtyruG1n8ms

While talking to Sara today, she mentioned that she ordered bulbs from hollandbulb.com and told me about the sales. I just spent $50 (includes shipping) for $186 worth of bulbs. So next year we will be adding double begonias, allium, dahlias and ranunculus. Thanks for the tip, Sara!

And this is why I like to be in Wisconsin every other time of the year except winter. Just took a few shots of our garden:

I love my hikes in Lapham Peak. Nature offers something new every day!!

And this is always one of my favorite sites on my walk in Door County while visiting Mike and Patty. This dollhouse is a replica of the main house. On my way out one morning, I saw Ken and Barbie enjoying water sports. On the way back they were dressed to go out.

I had the girls today for kindergarten. We painted acorns and rocks, then had a tea party, finishing up with playing “kitty” in the basement. Marie said it was the best day ever. I agree. Cordelia kept us up-to-date with the forecast.

Cordelia kept us up-to-date with the forecast.

https://youtu.be/rna3AHLMkDw

And don’t think you can escape to the desert…

https://youtu.be/eXV93psmF_8

I’ve decided to cancel my trip to India. It just wasn’t feeling right. I was not getting responses from the travel agent or Ash, so I decided to call it off. There may have been a miscommunication, but when I sent Ash a message and asked what day in December would work to meet with him in Mumbai and go to the Art Village, he didn’t respond:

“Hi Ash, I’m planning my itinerary. I plan to fly into Delhi (because I will be leaving from there) and then make my way south. Should I meet you in Mumbai, or go directly to the Art Village? I will wait to schedule my flight until I hear from you. The Art Village is not taking reservations yet. My first scheduled event is on Dec.7 in Kerala, although that could be modified.”

He didn’t respond.

This morning I sent him a message and told him that I decided to cancel:

“Hello Ash, I hope all is well with you. I have decided to cancel my trip to India. Based on earlier communication, I understand that you are very busy. I know you said not to worry, but I feel it is prudent to have a solid plan in place, especially for a trip of this magnitude. It just doesn’t feel right. Perhaps another time.”

His response:

“I’m currently very busy because of my trip to IAMPETH. And few other house commitments. I surely can’t be with you all the while of your trip but when you are in Mumbai I can surely take time.

But sorry about not replying to your previous message. It’s been hectic! You know you are most welcome!”

In any event, it just did not feel right to continue. Now I’m hoping to get my reservation back for December in Boquete. Fingers crossed.

Still keeping busy outside. Caleb Seay is here for his last day working with us. He loves working with Dan’s Stihl blade. He’s cutting down buckthorn. Right now he’s on lunch break watching “Axe Men.” He is enamored with the 66″ Stihl chainsaw – the largest in the world. It’s only $4200. Perhaps Amy and Kevin will make this Caleb’s next Christmas present.

I thank Stephanie Tsoris for her suggestion on the “Florida Weave” for supporting our tomato plants. No more cages! Brilliant. Also thanks to Ana and Eileen for the plants!

Hoping the caution tape will scare the deer.

I’ve been so delighted with the prickly pear. I got new plants from Kathy’s neighbor, and they bloomed! This is a first for me. I have an older plant from Jerry and Esther Flakas, and it has not done well. My fault. It was in too much shade. I have now moved it to the spot with the new ones, and I am hopeful that it will make a comeback.

I am also very pleased with the window boxes. Based on recommendations of gardening friends, I have this year planted just low-growing and trailing plants. Now that we have casement windows, there cannot be anything very high in them. So far, they are doing well, and Dan thinks he may be able to winter them in the basement.

I’ve settled on a design for my Christmas card, and they are currently in production. The process is very satisfying, and so, again, it is challenging for me to stop doing that and work on the book. I’ve scheduled with my editor, starting on September 22, so it’s time to pay attention.

In our final Soul Matters group, we spoke about delight and how it consisted of an element of surprise.

And yes, I was pleasantly surprised. A prickly pear cactus, in my own backyard. Kathy got them for me from her neighbor. It was such a delight to come around the corner and see this. I spontaneously uttered, “Oh my!” And there are three or four more plants around it getting ready to bloom.

I spent a good part of today weeding. Day after a rain — perfect. Caleb, a friend from church, is coming soon to spread mulch in all the sparse areas, so I wanted to make sure that the weeds were as under control as possible.

The chipmunk spray was ineffective. They are laughing at me.

Another chunk of the day was spent on India trip planning. I think it is coming together. I have yet to receive any input from the travel agent. I’ve just been booking things on my own. I think I may end up using him just for the internal connections between major stops.

Tomorrow I’m going to look at airfares. I felt really tired when I saw that the flight from Delhi to Panama would take 43 hours. Traveling is definitely not for sissies.

I’ve also been working on my Christmas card. I’m coming closer to a final design. I need one more tool. It’s in the mail. It’s hard for me not to show it to someone. I’m like a 5-year-old: “Look what I made!” I want them to be a surprise. Well, I did show it to Dan. He nodded his approval.