Sunday

We don't get trash pick up at our house yet. It takes building a structure by the road for the trash, then registering for pick up and paying the enormous sum of $3 per year.

In the mean time, I drive to Boquete on Sunday morning and throw our trash in a trash truck parked in front of the Bomberos.

The only problem...this is the land of inconsistency. Sometimes it is there and sometimes it is not. And, it has started to leave at 8 am in the morning, making me scurrying into town before it leaves.

The last 2 Sundays, I had to stop the truck driver as he was leaving to take the trash. Not a problem...Panamanians are nice, cheerful people, always willing to help.

I will start to take the trash in on Saturday night to avoid missing the pick up. Trash here gets ripe if it has to sit in our garage for an additional week, if the pick up is missed.

We finally were able to have a couple visit us at our house this morning. We have tried to set this up several times and it didn't work.

We had a feeling that these people are "best friend" material. And, it turned out that we loved them.

Yella may have found a best friend or two but I have not. Still looking. Many friends, even good friends, but no heart buddy yet.

Who knows? Maybe these folks will be best friends.

We then drove into Boquete and met up with 2 people to drive 30 minutes to Potrorios, a neighboring town. We visited a friends who is 80 and is recovering from a massive heart attack.

A group of us had a little get together for him at his home since he can not get out. If he feels better, he will fly to Canada for surgery. Why return to Canada for medical help...it is paid for by their medical insurance. In Panama, the procedure would cost about $7K, not much but more than free. He really wants to get better so he can return to Panama where he has lived for 15 years.

He was so touched by our support that he cried, which embarrassed and frustrated him. One of the effects of the illness and medication is a propensity for crying.

It was good to be able to contribute some fellowship to him, and the ride with other people there and back was a hoot.

Now, we are home for the evening, grilling Salmon and watching a movie tonight.

A good day in paradise.