The Luggage Always Shows Up

January 5 My friend, Mary, said, “In the movies, the luggage alway shows up.” And that turned out to be true for me. Six days! That’s a record for me. Our luggage was lost once in Greece, but it came the next day. Mine finally arrived yesterday morning. Barb drove me to the David Airport to pick it up. I knew it was a big ask for her to do this because driving here is a bit of a nightmare. Too much traffic and two few traffic controls. I played navigator with the GPS, and Barb said the swear words. She was very assertive and did a great job. I would not want to drive here.

Then we came to her house. I am here for the previously agreed upon three days that I had to be out of my apartment. It was part of my rental agreement with Gloria.

I am so enjoying my time with Barb and Murray. They have a beautiful home here in Palmira. It is one of the highest areas of Boquete and very windy, but beautiful. Murray captured a scorpion last night and saved it in a jar to show me this morning.

Barb is an avid hiker and took me this morning on a lovely hike with the dogs. We walked through a pine forest and a dairy farm. Of course, I didn’t have my phone with me, but I promise to take a video tomorrow and post it soon. I also want to capture their home here and, or course, Barb’s beautiful greenhouse.

After our hike Barb and I went into town for a pedicure ($16…thank you very much) and then did our grocery shopping.

I cooked dinner this evening: a puttanesca with fettuccine and sauteed salmon. Barb doesn’t cook much at all, and Murray cooks the basics; so, they were very happy to have me cook for them, and I was happy to do so. They assured me that I can feel free to do so anytime I want. Looking forward to that. I love the sound of the wind here, the roosters crowing and the dogs barking. I feel like Alice who has walked through the looking glass. I have such a full, beautiful life at home and another one here. It’s magical.