My Latest Adventure

The 13th/14th Century German theologian, Eckhart von Hochheim, aka Meister Eckhart, is quoted as saying, “If the only prayer you ever say in your life is ‘thank you,’ it’s enough.”

Picture these mounted on a pink card stock and then on a cream-colored card.

This morning Betty took me up Volcancito Road to Arco Iris, where she rented in years past. There are two casitas: a smaller one, which she rented, and then a larger one where Cathy and Larry (the managers) live now and have rented for eight years. The smaller one is already booked for next season, but it turns out that Cathy and Larry are going to move to another house across the street, so this larger casita is available.

I fell in love with it immediately and told Cathy, on the spot, that I wanted to rent it for four months next year. Not sure of the price yet, but she said it will likely be about $700 a month. That is only $200 more than what I’m paying now. It is so worth it. It doesn’t have an outside patio, but as you can see in the video, it is like being outside all the time. I can use that round table in the middle for my play station.

Also, they clean and treat for pests every week. Hallelujah!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Thank you again to my friend, Kathy Rutz, for suggesting these beads to me while we were at the Foundation for knitting the other day. She thought that I could use them on my cards, and she was right. I think they are very cute.

Not much else today. Although I listened to a very informative YouTube video today with two of my favorite thinkers, Russell Brand and Yuval Noah Harari. Harari addresses a group of college kids discussing the future of technology and the hacking of the human mind.

Technology and social medial are not going away, but we can be very conscious of how we use them and not let them use us. This will take a very heightened level of self-awareness.

Here is a shocking bit of information: The Internet will know a kid’s sexual orientation even before they do, based on how their eye movements respond to the screen. I’ve said it many times, I am so happy I don’t have kids. Such a huge job.

I’ve had a challenging couple of days dealing with the “wildlife” in my apartment. Night before last I noticed a very large cockroach flying above the window across from my bed. I was both creeped out and pissed off. I thought I had them under control with the Combat gel that Murray recommended. I was so upset that yesterday I posted somewhat of a tirade on my blog and then eventually took it down.

I went on the Boquete Community Group looking for another place. I was almost laughed back to Wisconsin when I said I wanted a place with no cockroaches. After digging a little deeper into the information on Combat, I discovered that it is indeed one of the best treatments, but it is not an overnight sensation. It takes a little while for the nest to be eliminated. But then it is effective for up to a year.

AND THEN!!!! (and this is the “Sorry” part) I made another move and put glue paper down outside one of my doors, thinking this would stop the huge spiders and cockroaches from creeping in under the door. What I did not think through was birds. I opened the door this afternoon to see how the paper was working, and there was a bird stuck to the paper. I felt so horrible. As I frantically tried to trim the glue strip from its claws, I soon realized that it was hopeless. I had to drown it. So, the bird kingdom is not happy with this gringa today.

I have now moved the glue strip to the inside of the door base.

Yesterday, in my emotional turmoil, I talked to Gloria about the possibility that I might not come back here next year because of the cockroaches and my needing to have a happier space to live in. I told her not to make any changes right now on my account. She was immediately responsive. She said that she has no problem with my treating the apartment for cockroaches in any way I want. She just doesn’t want to do it in her own space. I did not realize that. Gloria has agreed to have the entire place painted and put in the shelving that we had already planned.

She said she just wants me to be happy. She has a good heart. I feel like I am always walking a fine line of being unreasonable.

We also discussed that when I come down next year, I can fix up the place any way I want and deduct the cost from the rent. This now feels like a win-win. I can enjoy the place and not have to worry about packing things up and lugging them around.

Betty said that she would help me fix it up. I have a list of things I need, which I shared with her, and I will share with the rest of the group before I leave. During the coming months, they can keep an eye out for things as they shop.

I met Sandra Cripe and Laurie Collier at Mail Boxes, Etc. today to submit the final copy of the Being Prepared manual for production. So, that’s done. They would now like me to try producing a flyer for the class on April 20th.

Today’s fun:

I eventually put a blue wash over the two on the top left.

Today is movie day at Nancy’s, and everyone gets to choose a flower card made on the card stock that Kathy gave me.

I loved making this one. I think I need to make a few more. Mums the word.

That’s it for today!

Today at knitting, Kathy Rutz surprised me with a packet of card stock and envelopes. It is beautiful card stock. The texture is lovely. I decided to try a new flower: the anemone. The photo doesn’t do the paper justice; wish you could feel it. I’m trying to decide if I want to put a watercolor wash over the image. Just realized, I’m drawing my leaves upside-down.

I treated Gloria to a lentil curry for dinner this evening.

One of my favorite Panamanian treats – papaya.

I listened to this conversation this morning with Yuval Noah Harari, Anne Applebaum and Timothy Snyder discussing the current movements in Ukraine and the need to declare a no-fly zone over Ukraine. I find this both a frightening and exhilarating time in human evolution. The entire world is responding to Putin’s egotistical, maniacal behavior. It feels pivotal. Love is moving forward.

As an aside, I find it very compelling that Harari plans his busy schedule around his meditation practice. He plans meditation retreats and molds the remainder of his life around that. For him it is a priority. I’m looking forward to reading his books Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, and Sapiens: A Graphic History: The Birth of Humankind. I almost ordered it on Audible. That is what I call “duh” moment.

Because we watched and loved After Life, Dan suggested I watch this video with Diane Morgan who plays Kath in the series. As Dan said, it is terrific.

I just returned from the attorney’s (Enrique Quintero) office where I signed the Living Will. So, that’s all taken care of. Now all I need to do is get some sturdy bins that can hold any of my things that might need to be shipped back to the U.S. Some say I’m silly for bothering with this paperwork, but I am not comfortable with the thought of any family member having to travel here to deal with a dead or dying body. And now having worked with hospice, I know that the legal system here is a nightmare. It feels too irresponsible to leave this undone.

I tried to catch this little guy in mid-pee on my walk to the attorney’s office this morning, but his big sister spun him around. Too cute.

Last night, I watched the documentary Winter on Fire. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend it to get a sense of the fierce love of country and passion of the Ukrainian people. This documentary covers the revolution of 2013-14 against their then president, and Putin collaborator, Yanukovych. I vaguely remember hearing about it at the time, but I had no idea of the intensity. It is shocking to me that Putin would even attempt the present invasion.

I copied the following from a wall hanging I saw in Gloria’s house. I love reading it.

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble. It is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. 

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.  But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. 

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.  Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. 

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. 

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. 

Therefore, be at peace with God, and whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. 

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

 – FOUND IN OLD SAINT PAUL’S CHURCH, BALTIMORE; DATED 1692

Today’s joy. I worked on these while listening to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Life is good.

Schools have been closed here since February 2020. No education at all since then. Everyone is relieved that the schools have finally opened again. These kids have some catching up to do.

This “little” guy was on my blouse this morning. I didn’t notice it until I bent my head down to hook my necklace and then freaked out. I brushed it off, and in the process I broke the glass pendant of a necklace that my friend, Dianne Caliva, gave me. Bastards!

Gloria just finished making this beautiful rug. It is braided with wool strips. Gorgeous!

Another Trivia Tuesday:

How about a little trivia? Answers at the bottom of the gallery.

Q2 – Cheers

Q3 – Frankie Avalon

Q4 – I Will Always Love You

Q5 – Happy Birthday

Q6 – Ed Sullivan

Q7 – Imagine

Q8 – Queen

Q9 – Willie Nelson

Bonus 1 – The Coasters, The Monkees, Three Dog Night, Madonna

Q1-2 – Kit-Kat

Q2-2 – Danny Elfman

Q3-2 – Thriller

Q4-2 – Sex Pistols

Q5-2 – Walk This Way

Q6-2 – Shania Twain

Q7-2 – Yesterday

Q8-2 – Julie Andrews

Q9-2 – Trying

Bonus 2 – Buddy Holly, Ricky Valenz, Big Bopper

Our Boquete Health and Hospice volunteer training group:

Played Scrabble today with Nancy, Herta and Betty. Nancy killed us. Betty’s apartment is so beautiful. I felt like I was in a magazine.

The sketch is finished and framed; however, I cannot hang it up yet because the picture hanger I tried would not go into the wall, which is solid concrete. So, this task has been put on the Rickey list. In the meantime, I will have to keep two wine bottles handy to make sure it doesn’t fall.

And this one is called “making puttanesca in my tiny kitchen.

This will be the “before” picture. Ozman is coming Thursday to paint and the the carpenter will come soon to install an extension of the countertop and a shelf above. It’s so fun to be creating this home away from home. I’ve been making a list of things I plan to buy when I come back next year. I am happy that Gloria is okay with this. I found a great polish/oil for that cabinet today. What a difference…well, maybe only for me… 🙂

Tomorrow I’m meeting Lesley Hughes at the attorney’s office to sign the Living Will. Then we will return here for the puttanesca lunch. Sally will join us.

I made hummus. I’m going to buy french bread at Gago’s and cookies at Mort’s Bakery on the way to my meeting with Lesley. I’m going to make a horta-type salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, feta cheese, lemon juice and olive oil. Puttanesca for the entrée and Mort’s cookies with gelato for dessert. I miss cooking for friends. Next year will be better for that.

This morning we went to Piero and Adrianne’s Milky Way Creamery for breakfast and a tour. I think it is so amusing how people have become so excited when they hear “baby goats.” You don’t have to ask twice. This was an easier sell for me than Las Lajas. Enjoy the tour.

I’m glad the break came here because I need to write a little more. After we finished eating, Piero told his story. Piero is from Venezuala. He came to Panama as his first choice when he “escaped” Venezuela. He explained that it is very common in Venezuela to be kidnapped. You can even get a “kidnapping” waiver on your insurance. I’m a little bit vague on the details (Nancy, please chime in), but Piero said there are three ways to escape being kidnapped: (1) Hire thugs to protect you and “deal” with the kidnappers. (2) Allow yourself to be kidnapped and deal with the kidnappers’ demands. (3) Leave the country. He chose option #3.

He told of his fear during his flight, worried about being discovered. Long-story-short…because my memory is…he chose Boquete; bought this property; met Adrianne online; they fell in love; shared a passion for plants and animals (She is a biologist); and they decided to start a goat dairy.

The rest of his talk described the trials and tribulations of starting something so unique in this climate. It required extensive research and experimentation. After seven years and investment of thousands of dollars, they are still here, and they seem very happy and thriving.

Piero exuded such passion for what they are doing here. He reminded me of Ben & Jerry. He told us that he doesn’t make any more money than the people who work for him. No one ever works more than five days a week (except for him and Adrianne, of course).

He told us of the hours they spend sleeping with the goats when they are in distress. Every goat has a name and is part of the family. It reminds me of my grandparents’ farm in Kaukauna. The farmers have such a connection with their animals.

I asked him at one point what kept him going with such tremendous setbacks, and he explained the importance of the sense of community – at least that’s what I remember. He also talked about the increased balance he feels living here. He came from what sounds like a busy, upper-class lifestyle in Venezuela, and he did not want to do that anymore.

He said he started out in Panama City, and even there it felt too formal for him. He felt pressured to wear a suit and tie.

Here he doesn’t do that.

Okay, now a couple of videos:

For some reason, I cannot embed this video, but here’s a link: https://youtu.be/sjEpajngdUQ

Okay, that’s it for today. Hope you enjoyed the tour as much as I did.

The patio here is one of the very best, if not the best, feature of this casita. Rain or shine.

I planned to do laundry today. I had my bed stripped and my basket ready to take over to Gloria’s, and then it started pouring. I went ahead and washed things and then made plans to go over to Nancy’s to dry them. It was nice to have an opportunity to visit with her, and Bailey, of course. I’ve GOT to remember the cheese next time.

So, here is the finished doodle that is going on the wall somewhere. Just waiting for the frame, which I think Ricky is putting the hook on.

Ozman is coming on the 10th to paint the kitchen. Yay! I’ve decided that I won’t buy anything new until next year. I ‘m only here for a couple more weeks, so I’ll make do. Next year I’ll buy some things to make me happy in the kitchen. Then I can have people over for dinner.

I am planning to have Lesley Hughes and Sally Zigmund over for lunch next week. Lesley has agreed to sign my Living Will here, so lunch is to say thank you, and Sally is invited, just because (she doesn’t hate me anymore). They know each other from hospice, so I thought it would be a fun lunch.

I walked into town today (yes, in the pouring rain – thanks for that poncho Kathy Rutz). I needed the exercise, plus I had a pickup at RednBlue.

I was going to wait until I got home to buy this, but God wouldn’t let me…:) I might complete my classes with Ash, now that I have the proper ink.

As I was walking to RednBlue I came upon this house. I’ve seen it many times, and for some reason I just love the look of it. I can’t believe it’s still standing, and I wonder what stories it might tell.

After RednBlue, I stopped at Romero to pick up a few things. I was going to take a taxi home, but when I got into the checkout line, Ashley was just ahead of me. He offered me a ride home. Perfect!