02 January 2009

Happy New Year from Panama



I have not posted anything for many weeks, but wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year from the land of eternal Springtime!  Nights are in the range of 50-60 F, with 74-79 F almost every day. 

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

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Ah, yes, you are still around. The world economy and such has affected my plans also. We still hope to build a 'guest cottage' but could only guess when things will get better. I'm hoping to take advantage of Obama's refinance plan and cash out on the 3 rental properties. I did get back into the market this month (at the bottom??)
Hope you have time for a 'big feast' in May. We still live well. After all, poverty is just for the poor. HAR har