After being here permanently for 14 months I am very happy with my decision to move. I still live in a 2 bedroom rented house with my 2 dogs, 1 Australian Cattle Dog (Red Heeler) and 1 Panamanian mixed breed (mut).
My on and off home building plans are on again. Sort of! I am still looking for a bilingual person to manage the small crew of locals who will build my new home. Because of the economic difficulties in the U.S. and Europe I have scaled back my plans until real estate prices in other areas rebound. In general, land and home prices here are about the same, with a pause in the rapid escalation of the past 3 to 5 years.
I now plan to only build the lower level of the house, including the 2 car garage. The lower level was planned as an apartment and I have redesigned it for my personal comfort. I am hoping that construction will not interfere with my plans to attend my CVHS Class of '59 reunion in Kansas in May. I am also planning to visit my family and friends while in the U.S., as my plans do not include many more trips stateside.
Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy & prosperous 2009!
Jay & best friends Blue & Rosie
