Panama Invasion

That may be an unfortunate title, given past geopolitical indiscretions, but it accurately expresses what I’ve happily undergone since last Friday. The Panamanian Mafia met last week at the 4^th of July party and decided they missed some of their usual dishes and resolved to get together to prepare them together. They, as it inevitably happens with Panamanians, decided to turn it into a full blown Deckzilla Party on Saturday. My Favorite Panamanian volunteered to lead the effort and was ably assisted by the rest of the mafia. Their lead elements assembled on Friday night to prepare some of the dishes.

Wife with the Food Table and her Mounted Gown Behind Her

I sought sanctuary in the Man Cave as the decibel level rapidly rose in the kitchen as more and more arrived. I was summoned only to mount the grain mill to the counter so they could grind up some corn. I expected to be called upon to perform said grinding since this is usually my lone task in such events. I am trusted to turn the crank while the more enlightened Panamanian women feed the hopper. As I was watching the Red Sox in the cave, I heard the cranking start up and was not in the least bit upset that someone had taken over for me. I went upstairs to check on progress to find the Neighborhood Mafioso was ably manning the device.

Friday Night Prep

Mafioso Manning the Mill

Saturday morning was pre-party prep which my children will acknowledge turns their mother into a fairly strident taskmaster. It helps that she’s also fairly cute. I was charged with preparing Deckzilla which included a full washing and then assisting the CinC with decorations. This meant taking down the swing so there would be room for the food and dancing (because with Panamanians, there’s always dancing). In addition to the Panamanian flag, I assisted my wife in mounting her beautiful folklorico dancing gown as the centerpiece.

Deckzilla Prepped for Party

As the crowd started showing up, I was charging around arranging additional extension cords as several heating plates were deployed at the far end of Deckzilla. As the party was starting to crank up, I had to sit down because I felt uncomfortably tired. I self-diagnosed that I was dehydrated (part of the whole getting old scenario), so I downed a couple bottles of water before I continued with Coors Lite. This produced a remarkable turnaround. It was a very fun crowd with the mafia and the Czech Friends (at this point honorary Panamanians). I am under strict orders from the Czech Shadow to give her appropriate credit for most the photos that accompany this post.  

Gang Starts to Assemble Czech Friend with Mafia Husband

My Incredible Frail Deeds Photographer The Czech Shadow

I was "Required" to Wear this Hat
No one Mistook me for a Panamanian

Very Fun Crowd

Mafia husbands and a Syrian(c)

The food kept coming and I was impressed with the sheer amount that made its way to the Deckzilla tables. We needed more than a couple to handle the load which is testament to the ladies involved. This is a short list of most of what was presented: Empanada de maíz con carne, empanada de harina con carne, enyucado de carne, yuca frita, tasajo, hojaldre, chicharrón, almohabano, plátano a la tentación, chicha de piña, chicheme, pinolillo. Those of you who know me are probably pondering what I would end up eating as most, if not all, of that list is way too exotic for my simple tastes. The Czechs came to my rescue by showing up with a healthy plate of schnitzels, so my requirement for dead animal flesh was sated.

Some of the Food

The World Cup game was important to most of the guests (if not their host). I kept the game on in the kitchen and decided to root for England since all the ladies were enamored of some ponytailed Norwegian guy they were playing against. We checked in on this game as well as the follow on one involving Argentina which had most of the Panamanians rooting for their fellow Latinos. That game seemed to turn on a play where a Swiss guy obviously took a dive to try and draw a foul which is one of the reasons I don’t enjoy watching these games, with their almost WWE level of acting. At least they caught this guy and he was kicked out, crippling his team.

The Extra Hot Plates

Exotic Beverages As Well

Best Part Were the People

Star of the Show

With her Husband

The Panamanian Mafia

Honorary Panamanians

Mafia Husbands

All the Ladies

It was a great party with the usually festive Panamanians. Once the food was sent downrange, the dancing started up since we had a lot of excess consumption to work out. We added Ghana to crowd when my wife’s newest acolyte, the other next door neighbor’s daughter, wandered over. She was immediately sucked into the vortex of dancing. At one point a series of folklorico music came on and my Favorite Panamanian, an accomplished folklorico dancer, performed a series of dances to demonstrate she’s still got it. I got a little misty eyed watching her and remembering seeing her perform the same dance in the dress hanging on the wall over forty years ago. I was so touched that I sent the video (below) to her kids just after she finished.

Wife Starts the Dancing

Guys Did Get out There Eventually

We decided to spare the neighbors the continued loud music as the night wore on. This meant a game of left-right-center was bound to break out. I’d like to say that I was able to break my life-long losing streak in that benighted game but it was not to be. It didn’t help that the Czech Friend won and happily reported this was the third time she had won in the last couple years. Despite this debacle, nothing could take the shine off a very well spent Saturday night on Deckzilla with those incredible Panamanians, one of which I am lucky enough to be married to.

Ending with a Game of R-L-C

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------RECURRING CHARACTERS:

ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete – my daughter in law; BR3 – Blog Reader #3 – granddaughter #3; BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; Cantankerous Friend – friend since grade school who likes to argue about everything, poses as radical leftist to attract women; CRC - Connecticut Riverboat Captain – another close friend from high school, renowned sailor of the big river; Curbside Girls – close friends of my daughter acquired during her single days in Brooklyn; Czech Connection – Czech couple who’ve become good friends along with their daughter (the Czech Shadow); Deckzilla – our backyard deck which grew to monstrous dimensions once my wife got involved in planning; Favorite Panamanian - the wife (of course); FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter; First Friday – celebrations to mark the First Friday of the Week; Great Aunt - my elder sister; Keene Friends 1 & 2 – friends since high school from my home town of Keene, NH; Kindergarten Friend – friend since kindergarten whom I reunited with after many years; Maine and Virginia Musqueteras – two close friends of my wife – her US sisters, my wife is the 3^rd Musquetera (musketeer); Namesake Nephew – son of Great Aunt and Soxfather named after me; Neighborhood Mafioso - wife's close friend and Panamanian mafia member; PanaGals – female relatives /friends of my wife from Panama; Panamanian/Latin Mafia – inevitable group of Latino friends my wife accumulates wherever we have lived & their spouses; PCR - Pittsburgh College Roommate – high school friend, also a “Minor Celebrity” in Pittsburgh; PCR+1 - Pittsburgh College Roommate’s wife; Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog; Seis Amigos - two couples from our condo complex and my wife and I; Soxfather – my brother-in-law (whom I miss more than I can ever explain); Tia Loca – wife’s younger sister; Wingman – my son in law; Upstairs Neighbors – American couple and great friends who live in condo above us in Panama; Wingmom – Wingman’s mom, of course

Date Night Surprise

For those of you with excessively dirty minds (guilty), no, I’m referring to a completely innocent experience. It was with my Favorite Panamanian, but was completely above board and in public, so there. We executed our usual date night. My wife was so pre-occupied with texting on her cell phone during the ride to the cinema that she didn’t ask what we were seeing until we were sitting in the theater. That’s when I broke the news to her that we were seeing Young Washington, the biopic about George’s early years. She gave me one of those wifely looks that said, rather eloquently, “I’m not going to like this and how did you get me here?”. As with most wives, she conveniently forgot that she never inquired.

The surprise. She loved it, as did I, see review below. We rolled into the theater on a rainy Tuesday afternoon, and the parking lot was strangely full. I figured that, it being summer and raining, that parents were escaping the hell that is young kids trapped inside with a trip to see the latest Hollywood attempt to extract money from them. I think this week’s effort involved minions, whatever the hell they are. While I’m sure that was part of the crowd I was surprised to see the Tuesday matinee showing of Young Washington was absolutely packed, with both young and old (again, guilty). Another surprise, at the end of the movie, the large crowd actually started clapping. I know this is standard in California, home of the movie industry, but this was the first time I’d ever seen it happen in New England.

That got me to thinking (yes, I know, dangerous territory). The crowd and its reaction was a comment on Americans. There’s a burgeoning majority of us that are still very proud of our country, despite the efforts of the far left (Democrat Party) and their enablers, the news media, to damage that. I think that’s why they failed so miserably in 2024 elections. The Democrats mistakenly believed we, as a country, were ashamed of ourselves, but that couldn’t be further from the truth and for the very obvious reasons that life in our country provides daily for those open enough to see it. They and the Russian and Iranian internet bots will never be able to address the deep-seated love most Americans feel for their country, despite all its obvious warts. They continue down the same path today embracing socialism which has failed so spectacularly in so many places. The most obvious evidence of how wrong they were/are is the fact we actually elected who we did as president. Again, maybe I read too much into it, but it warmed my heart to hear that unexpected applause.

Finished Another 1000 Piece Puzzle

My Favorite Panamanian, a naturalized American citizen claimed the movie made her proud of “her” country, ‘nuff said. She certainly has not forgotten her own roots though. As is wont to happen whenever the Panamanian Mafia gets together, like last Saturday, they have so much fun together that they plan another follow-on event. This Saturday they’re getting together on Deckzilla with each bringing a Panamanian dish and creating more when they arrive. I should probably warn the neighbors that at some point Saturday evening, dancing will break out on Deckzilla. This should be fun.

FBR(r) with her Curbside Cousins

Speaking of fun (I was wasn’t I?), the FBR recently attended a get together of Curbside cousins (see picture). I was so glad to see that and that those incredible Curbside girls are passing on their deep friendship to the next generation. One of the things I’ve re-learned since returning to New England is how important the friends I made as a kid are to me. The Cantankerous Friend and Keene Friends are the most obvious examples but there’s been so many I’ve reconnected with since my return that has made all the difference for me. I’ve heard rumors that the PCR will be returning for the monthly KHS 73 luncheon in July and I may have to abandon a day at the beach to properly welcome him home. More on that in the coming weeks. Also, a shout out to the Cantankerous Friend who will be riding his bike (no surprise there) in the annual Northern New Hampshire Prouty bike ride, for which he has raised $12,000 for cancer research. He’s not always arguing.

Young Washington was a huge surprise for me. I knew Washington’s history of his early years but this film expertly portrays them for what they were, exciting. Washington is nearly always portrayed in his later years, leading the Continental Army in a powdered wig, but here we see him as a vibrant young man being forged into the leader who was so instrumental in establishing our country. It shows his failures as well as his successes and his early over weening ambition. It’s telling that the class system so endemic to the British (still is) was dismissive of him despite his early support of the royal government. We see him rising above the petty class snobbery to embody what the country is about, hard work combined with courage. The message isn’t over the top and lets Washington’s actions speak for themselves which is why I found them so effective. I’m sure the elitist professional film critics won’t like it, but when the movie ended, the entire audience stood and clapped in appreciation. That was as eloquent a statement of the quality of the movie than I can think of.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------RECURRING CHARACTERS:

ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete – my daughter in law; BR3 – Blog Reader #3 – granddaughter #3; BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; Cantankerous Friend – friend since grade school who likes to argue about everything, poses as radical leftist to attract women; CRC - Connecticut Riverboat Captain – another close friend from high school, renowned sailor of the big river; Curbside Girls – close friends of my daughter acquired during her single days in Brooklyn; Czech Connection – Czech couple who’ve become good friends along with their daughter (the Czech Shadow); Deckzilla – our backyard deck which grew to monstrous dimensions once my wife got involved in planning; Favorite Panamanian - the wife (of course); FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter; First Friday – celebrations to mark the First Friday of the Week; Great Aunt - my elder sister; Keene Friends 1 & 2 – friends since high school from my home town of Keene, NH; Kindergarten Friend – friend since kindergarten whom I reunited with after many years; Maine and Virginia Musqueteras – two close friends of my wife – her US sisters, my wife is the 3^rd Musquetera (musketeer); Namesake Nephew – son of Great Aunt and Soxfather named after me; Neighborhood Mafioso - wife's close friend and Panamanian mafia member; PanaGals – female relatives /friends of my wife from Panama; Panamanian/Latin Mafia – inevitable group of Latino friends my wife accumulates wherever we have lived & their spouses; PCR - Pittsburgh College Roommate – high school friend, also a “Minor Celebrity” in Pittsburgh; PCR+1 - Pittsburgh College Roommate’s wife; Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog; Seis Amigos - two couples from our condo complex and my wife and I; Soxfather – my brother-in-law (whom I miss more than I can ever explain); Tia Loca – wife’s younger sister; Wingman – my son in law; Upstairs Neighbors – American couple and great friends who live in condo above us in Panama; Wingmom – Wingman’s mom, of course

4th and Out

My Favorite Panamanian and I concluded our celebration of the 250^th birthday of our country by attending the annual 4^th of July party in Leicester held by our good friends and fellow members of the Latina Mafia on Saturday. We joined the Czech Friends who had already arrived and received a full report on the Czech Shadow’s latest adventures in employment as well as learning how to drive a car. Her father, the driving instructor, looked to have sprouted a few gray hairs because of that responsibility (I could be imagining that). It was a beautiful afternoon with the pool beckoning nearby.

Our 4th of July Attire

I was not to be fooled though. I knew the pool water would sport typical New England level temperatures which I am now firmly allergic to. The blame for that affliction lays rightfully at the feet of our Panamanian condo pool. Our hostess continued her years-long plea to get me to return to my roots. Anyone who grew up in Keene and used to swim at Camp Wakanda’s ice cold pool should be made of sufficient inner strength to handle it. In my dotage, however, I am comfortable being a complete wimp in this department. The same thing has happened with New England ocean beaches, which I also grew up with. Anyone who has joined me for a swim in the warm Pacific waters of Las Lajas will understand.

The Mafia Table with a Czech Interloper

The Party

The Czechs had to leave early which was a bit of a downer, but the Panamanian mafia took over a table and the banter never stopped. I assisted another member of the mafia at the grill and then ate way, way too many desserts. What can I say, I was caught up in the throes of celebrating America’s birth. I am honest enough with myself to realize it had more to do with the delicious cake available. The lady’s convocation eventually moved nearer to the pool but the only one who jumped in the pool was our hostess. The rest dipped their feet in and my Favorite Panamanian later admitted that was a trial, as she suffers the same affliction as I do with cold water. It was a great afternoon and early evening spent with great friends. They made noises about getting together later this week to cook something ethnic (I’ll be alright as Dominoes is only a call away).

The Mafia

Recon Party at the Pool

Eventually the Others Showed Up
But Only our Host was Brave Enough to Jump in

The BRS has been engaged with seacraft over the past few weeks at a summer camp. This photo shows her expertly skippering a ship on the high seas. She and BR3 along with their parental units spent the holiday weekend up at a family camp in the lakes region, where Riggins rediscovered himself in the water. He has no problem with cold water and my son said it was so good seeing him cavort again.

BRS at the Wheel!!

I recently checked out a reel on Facebook that announced the iconic Carousel of Progress at Disneyworld was closing as it will undergo a major upgrade to make it more timely. This ride has a sentimental hold on me for a number of reasons. I first saw it at the New York World’s Fair in 1965 on one of the last intact vacations my family took as my parents split up shortly thereafter. I’ve always loved the optimistic message of the ride as it follows progress from the turn of the 20^th century through to modern times. This is quintessential Walt Disney, who originated the ride, as it believes in people and in progress. Every time I go on Facebook now, since I watched that one reel, I’m greeted by several more showing the final day of rides. I can’t resist watching them even though I know the signature song, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” will be stuck in my head for hours afterwards. There are worse fates.

I'll Miss This Guy

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------RECURRING CHARACTERS:

ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete – my daughter in law; BR3 – Blog Reader #3 – granddaughter #3; BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; Cantankerous Friend – friend since grade school who likes to argue about everything, poses as radical leftist to attract women; CRC - Connecticut Riverboat Captain – another close friend from high school, renowned sailor of the big river; Curbside Girls – close friends of my daughter acquired during her single days in Brooklyn; Czech Connection – Czech couple who’ve become good friends along with their daughter (the Czech Shadow); Deckzilla – our backyard deck which grew to monstrous dimensions once my wife got involved in planning; Favorite Panamanian - the wife (of course); FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter; First Friday – celebrations to mark the First Friday of the Week; Great Aunt - my elder sister; Keene Friends 1 & 2 – friends since high school from my home town of Keene, NH; Kindergarten Friend – friend since kindergarten whom I reunited with after many years; Maine and Virginia Musqueteras – two close friends of my wife – her US sisters, my wife is the 3^rd Musquetera (musketeer); Namesake Nephew – son of Great Aunt and Soxfather named after me; Neighborhood Mafioso - wife's close friend and Panamanian mafia member; PanaGals – female relatives /friends of my wife from Panama; Panamanian/Latin Mafia – inevitable group of Latino friends my wife accumulates wherever we have lived & their spouses; PCR - Pittsburgh College Roommate – high school friend, also a “Minor Celebrity” in Pittsburgh; PCR+1 - Pittsburgh College Roommate’s wife; Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog; Seis Amigos - two couples from our condo complex and my wife and I; Soxfather – my brother-in-law (whom I miss more than I can ever explain); Tia Loca – wife’s younger sister; Wingman – my son in law; Upstairs Neighbors – American couple and great friends who live in condo above us in Panama; Wingmom – Wingman’s mom, of course

Nostalgia Overdrive

Happy Birthday America!!!! My Favorite Panamanian and I are scheduled to leave shortly for the annual 4^th of July party hosted by a member of the Latina Mafia (an honorary member of the Panamanian Mafia but Peruvian, so there). On Thursday I had what we called in the Army “a wild hair” (I won’t, in the interests of decency, complete the saying). I reached out to Keene Friend to find out when my hometown would be holding their annual baseball/fireworks at Alumni Field. He and his lady were planning on attending that on Friday night and I finagled an invite to join them.

At the Game Last Night

My Favorite Panamanian was all in as well as she also has great memories of past 4^th of Julys spent on the outfield grass at Alumni watching the fireworks. The first for her was iconic and continues to live on nearly forty years later in family lore. My daughter had just learned to talk and was a decided fan of the color pink (I believe it had something to do with Barbie dolls). As the fireworks bloomed over the field, the little sprite kept excitedly exclaiming “PINK!!”. It’s become emblematic of the celebration of the 4^th ever since, much to the annoyance of that now 40+ year old daughter. She just rolls her eyes as she knows her siren call is now indelibly linked to our day of independence. Everyone I talked or texted with yesterday found a way to issue a “PINK!”. The author was characteristically quiet as she is still trying to quiet the deluge of recognition.

Looking Across Alumni Field Towards Keene High

My own association with Alumni, of course, goes much further back. I remember going to it when my parents were still together and marveling at the display. The year my parents first split up, my mother got tickets to the game and celebration. Great Aunt and I attended the game and then the fireworks (I still remember the chicken was undercooked). While I’m always immersed in nostalgia when I return to Keene, it was in definite overload last evening. When we sat down in the bleachers, I could see Keene High across the field and the window of the classroom where I took sophomore math in 1971. While I played very few games on the field itself, I attended countless games there while growing up.

Great Game Also

It was something of a social event for both Keene High and Legion baseball games. It was definitely a “girl watching” place for myself and my friends. I was smiling last night as the crowd gathered and I realized somethings were still the same. What the PCR and I used to call “Bettys” and “Snappers” were circling in the same size groups they did fifty years ago while the guys, intensely interested, were trying to be too cool to notice. It was a special night as the waves of nostalgia inundated the game and the crowd. It was a great time sharing with Keene Friend, his lady, and my wife.

The Crew Setup for Fireworks

As the game wound down, we moved to a nearby field to watch the fireworks. We thought they no longer allowed people on the field (they did) but the location we ended up at was even better. There was no surface battle between battleships that were a staple of the shows from our youth. I’m guessing they became too dangerous with all the pine trees around. The fireworks show was incredible though. One of the best things about being at a small-town celebration is that even though the crowd was huge, by Keene standards, we were able to get close and enjoy the fireworks going off directly overhead. I was transported again back to a four- or five-year-old version of myself watching from nearly the same location with my mom, dad, and sisters. That’s what my hometown does for me and why I love going back.

Latest Puzzle

We drove back to Worcester last night. In a major shift in assigned duties, I was doing the driving. My Favorite Panamanian remarked how strange it felt not to be driving back. I’ve usually sent too many beers downrange to attempt the drive. We’ll have to search way back into the dusty annals of history to find a First Friday of the Week where I didn’t have a single beer. I’m thinking it had to have been in Saudi Arabia in the late nineties for the last time that happened. But that is an indication of how intoxicating nostalgia can be because I didn’t miss it all.

The Failed Step

Digging Out

Trench Ready

Concrete In

End Product

In some housekeeping items, I finished another 1000-piece puzzle. This one was a Christmas themed one. That’s another thing I’m an absolute sucker for. I’ve started following a series of reels of Christmas scenes and music from days gone by on Facebook. It still brings a smile to face and that feeling of the holiday season even as temperatures head for triple digits. I also finished another backyard project. The step onto my backyard path that runs between the terraces and Deckzilla had failed, as I dug it out and backfilled the base with a stray bag of concrete (not cement as my son would insist I say). Of course, the day I chose to do it was the hottest in three years, but I got it done in the early morning before the temperatures soared. It seems to have worked. So, I hope you are heading out to celebrate the day with friends and family. I am so thankful to have grown up in the best of all countries and to have had the opportunity to serve it in uniform. Here are some of the Alumni Field fireworks to send you out to partay!!!!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------RECURRING CHARACTERS:

ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete – my daughter in law; BR3 – Blog Reader #3 – granddaughter #3; BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; Cantankerous Friend – friend since grade school who likes to argue about everything, poses as radical leftist to attract women; CRC - Connecticut Riverboat Captain – another close friend from high school, renowned sailor of the big river; Curbside Girls – close friends of my daughter acquired during her single days in Brooklyn; Czech Connection – Czech couple who’ve become good friends along with their daughter (the Czech Shadow); Deckzilla – our backyard deck which grew to monstrous dimensions once my wife got involved in planning; Favorite Panamanian - the wife (of course); FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter; First Friday – celebrations to mark the First Friday of the Week; Great Aunt - my elder sister; Keene Friends 1 & 2 – friends since high school from my home town of Keene, NH; Kindergarten Friend – friend since kindergarten whom I reunited with after many years; Maine and Virginia Musqueteras – two close friends of my wife – her US sisters, my wife is the 3^rd Musquetera (musketeer); Namesake Nephew – son of Great Aunt and Soxfather named after me; Neighborhood Mafioso - wife's close friend and Panamanian mafia member; PanaGals – female relatives /friends of my wife from Panama; Panamanian/Latin Mafia – inevitable group of Latino friends my wife accumulates wherever we have lived & their spouses; PCR - Pittsburgh College Roommate – high school friend, also a “Minor Celebrity” in Pittsburgh; PCR+1 - Pittsburgh College Roommate’s wife; Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog; Seis Amigos - two couples from our condo complex and my wife and I; Soxfather – my brother-in-law (whom I miss more than I can ever explain); Tia Loca – wife’s younger sister; Wingman – my son in law; Upstairs Neighbors – American couple and great friends who live in condo above us in Panama; Wingmom – Wingman’s mom, of course