Miracle in Boquete

I bought a 1970 Fender Telecaster guitar in Fort Madison, Iowa in 1974, while we were on the road playing music. Or better stated, trying to play music and doing a marginal job of it...except Yella, of course, who was always great.

Ever since I bought it, it was missing a knob for the switch used to change between the different string pickups. This was an inconvenience because the post for the knob was sharp and would cut or nick the hand while playing.

A few months ago, I found the missing knob on line and ordered it. But it didn't fit, so I pounded it onto the post...breaking the switch.

Yes, I know, I am not the brightest bulb in the box.

So I sent away for a new switch and got it. Hurray!

But how to get it installed. I could risk it and take it to one of the Chinese electronic shops in David but that seems a little risky. This is a VINTAGE guitar! Not something to be trifled with.

I asked around to various friends who have the skills to do this. But I got no nibbles on anyone willing to help me. Damn!

So I was walking through the Do It Center in David today and found a $5 soldering iron and decided to do it myself.

This is always risky because I am all thumbs.

I went slow...prepped a work area...got all the stuff out...made sure the dog was out of the way...drew a diagram of the wiring and started.

With a few missteps, I got it done.

And plugged the guitar in and NOTHING.

I opened it back up and re-traced all the wiring, wiggled the soldered connections and tried it again and it WORKED.

I have no idea why it worked on the second try. I didn't change anything.

So I have my electric guitar back. Yippee!!!

Next topic...

I notice that this month has the smallest number of blog entries of any month since I started Adventures in Panama over a year and a half ago. Hmmm????

Granted, last month was active with the last play and all.

But, have I run out of shit to talk about?

I don't know. We will see. I am not taking any action, like quitting the blog because I simply don't know if it is over or not.

Except for one thing, I feel settled into life in Panama.

The only thing missing is a sense of purpose in life. I have always had something that I was responsible for like owning and running a business.

I miss having a purpose to wake up to every morning. And I am looking for one. Nothing yet.

We will see...

This has more to do with adjusting to retirement than living in Panama. I would have had to deal with it in Colorado too. And this is probably a better place to start retirement with all the other folks in the same boat.