Tropical Landfall

Missing this Little Scamp - A Lot

I can confirm the stories you’ve heard about the rainy season in the tropics are not exaggerated. Things are pretty soggy down here right now and everything is a vibrant green. It also ratifies my long held opinion that I should only visit Panama during the dry season. Unfortunately requirements for my residency status mandated I come here for another few rounds with the Panamanian bureaucracy. If nothing else I will get some well-earned rest that my body (and spirit) has been demanding for a few weeks now.

But Grandparents are no Substitute mom and dad

Keene Friend, because he is just about the finest human being walking the earth gave us a ride to the airport so I won’t suck down three weeks of airport parking fees. Another lesson learned, Sunday in the middle of a holiday weekend is an excellent time to fly. First time we walked right up to the security check – no line at all. We escorted my mother in law after her month long stay with us. We chose seats in the back of the airplane near the bathrooms to accommodate her needs. My wife and I looked around as we flew and learned we were immersed in a sub-culture of airline travelers as we were by the far the youngest people within five rows of us. So this is what the future holds I guess.

And the Inevitable Cookie Break

The tumult of traveling also kept our minds off missing the company of the FBR although part of the need for rest comes from trying to keep up with her for the past week. By five o’clock we were in David and behind the wheel of our rental car. Shortly thereafter we assembled the available family members for what has become a tradition for our first night returning to Panama – dinner at El Fogon! The waiter greeted me like a long lost friend (the power of generous tipping) and I was soon swirling in the nearly unending laughter that occurs whenever my wife’s family assembles.

Although an Angry Sleeper When She left our House

Solved when She's Back with Neighborhood Friends

I spent all of Labor Day (not a holiday here) going head to head with the bureaucrats and like to think I came out ahead on points. We did learn they screwed up the sale of our land by still having me listed as part owner. Our lawyer/fixer indicated it would probably be a bad move to try and sell it again. We accomplished all of our other goals for the day which included repeated crisscrossing of central David. This in no way diminished my opinion that Panama has some of the most beautiful women in the world. Of course I’m lucky enough to be married to one of the aforementioned and she was liberal with the elbows when my assessments were noticed.

My Nemesis - The Backyard Grapefruit Tree

All we have left to do is a Thursday appointment and then waiting for the follow on in depth appointment next Monday at the immigration office. I don’t know how anyone could do this without the help of a lawyer like we have. The process is truly labyrinthine and makes no sense to this gringo. There are a multitude of well disguised government offices spread throughout the city and each jealously guards the power of their stamps which are the grease that causes Panamanian paperwork to flow.

This Girl

All this means we’re going to be able to sneak down to our beach condo for at least a few days between bouts. I actually slept in until 7am this morning and the grapefruits aren’t ripe yet so no daily bombardment from the grapefruit tree hanging over our bedroom. The rogue flock of parakeets that tormented my last visit have yet to set up their break of dawn serenade directly over our bedroom yet so the much needed rest is sublime.

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RECURRING CHARACTERS

BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter, ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete = my daughter in law, formerly known both as MEF – Most Excellent Fiancé & MEG – Most Excellent Girlfriend; Wingman – my son in law; Keene Friends 1 & 2 – friends since high school from my home town of Keene, NH; Soxfather - my brother in law; Great Aunt = my elder sister; Cantankerous Friend – friend since grade school who likes to argue about everything, poses as radical leftist to attract women; Pittsburgh College Roommate – high school friend, also a “minor Celebrity” in Pittsburgh; Deckzilla – our backyard deck which grew to monstrous dimensions once my wife got invole din planning; Maine and Virginia Musqueteras – two close friends of my wife – her US sisters, my wife is the 3^rdmusquetera (musketeer); Buddy – AKA the Wonder Pooch – family dog, a black lab – hates squirrels, died in 2017; Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog, surrogate grandchild while awaiting arrival of the BRS; PanaGals – female relatives/friends of my wife from Panama; Panamanian/Latin Mafia – inevitable group of Latin friends my wife accumulates wherever we have lived & their spouses; Neighborhood Mafioso - wife's close friend and Panamanian mafia member, Favorite Panamanian - the wife (of course); First Friday – celebrations to mark the First Friday of the Week; Excellent Boss – my former direct boss at work; Voices of Inappropriate Worth - members of public who come to every Worcester public meeting to complain, all are on public assistance along with demeanor issues