Our Panama and Costa Rica trip ... and a few comments.

As I sit at my desk typing this on a rainy Sunday morning, I realized I can't see any on the mountains around us. Since we live in the desert, I never complain about getting rain, but REALLY? Already an inch today?  But tomorrow the sun and our mountains will be back. (This was written before I had a computer glitch)

One more comment about the upcoming election. I heard and read several expects saying with the BILLIONS that were spent on pollical advertisements, it will not change the minds of the voters, they already have their minds set, and I agree. All I ask is you the voters cast your ballot (if you haven't already) for the leaders YOU believe will do their best for the citizens and not for their pockets. Now to our trip.

We flew out on October 8th on a 2 hour flight and stopped in Houston for a 4 hour layover. And then another 4 hours in the sky for Panama City arriving a day early for our tour. Our driver picked us up and drove us to amazing old 4 story 1897 hotel in the center of Old Town Panama. The skyline was amazing with so many skyscraper around a glorious bay and harbor. Like most Hispanic towns, the hotel was built on a plaza with government buildings and a grand catholic church across the plaza from the hotel. The hotel had outdoor seating for lunch and/or dinner if you wish. 

The next day we decided to eat lunch across the street in the plaza under their very large umbrellas. It was a little hot and humid as we finished lunch when our waitress started acting very anxious about something and I noticed the lights above our table were swaying, and I said, "Oh crap, an earthquake!" It was and 4.7 on the rector scale, so the hotel evacuated everyone and we all had to sit outside for 3 hours while the building was evaluated for safety. Then we went back in and one hour later, and after shock. Then a couple hours later more aftershocks so again evacuated each time. By evening they became less and less. The bad thing was for some of our group coming from Huston and Columbia, they either were stuck sitting on their plane for hours until the runway was inspected or in the terminals. Hell of a way to start a tour.

Finally the group all united together at the hotel and we loaded up on our bus to go see the Canal. OH BOY!! I knew those ships were big, but you don't realize how big until you can stand by one as they pass. 

We got on to our smaller ship and followed a HUGE cargo ship into the locks and watched the process of flooding and de-flooding each of the 3 locks, which are 1,000 feet long, The country charges MILLIONS of dollars for each ship to go through the locks which has made the country's economy boom, thus the high-rises we saw came in. Like Shanghai China, land is scarce so they build up.

Until the late 90s and President Jimmy Carter, Panama did not own the canal and made little money from it. Carter turned it over to them. There are 2 sets of locks, one on the south side and another set on the north side and a huge manmade lake in between. It takes a full day for a ship to get all the way from the Atlantic to the Pacific or the other way. We went through just the southside but visited the northside. 

The next day we went to an indigenous native tribe village that still live the way their 2-300 year old ancestors lived. The live from the rain forest, plant crops and totally live off the land. Very interesting.  They all were very welcoming for us tourists to visit and experience how they live, rise their children and just all their traditions.

They dances for us and even grabbed us to dance with them.  They made us lunch the way they eat and it was very good, a lot of fruit and vegetables. And some of their 'home brew' they make.

Next we walked the poor part of the city which was rebuilding. Saturday nights is when the locals gather in parks and plaza to socialize and play dominoes so Nancy sat down and joined a bunch of guys. They loved it. I tried some Panama Rum a guy offered me and he was surprised to see me shoot it down ...twice.

We flew in a 12 passenger plane to a remote part of Costa Rica and landed on a long narrow sandbar to see the REAL jungle. By boat we crossed a river over to our resort and explore the VERY hot and humid jungle while staying in 5 star cabins. Howler monkeys wake us daily at 4 or 5AM and spider monkeys played in the giant trees above our cabins.

Next stop, another resort in another part of Costa Rica farther south and deeper in the jungle but still hot and humid. The native wildlife was awesome but amazingly not many bugs. 

None of the wildlife got close to us but sometime would sit long enough for a photo, like this guy.

The entire resort was elevated so the wildlife could pass under, so you walked on all boardwalks everywhere in the resort. The cabins did not have A/C but only a ceiling fan which was ok for sleeping, but not for daytime. So you sweat alot.

after a few days in the jungle we flew out on another small plane to San Jose, the capital to get ready for our flight back to the states. We were put-up in a high-rise Hilton hotel on the 19th floor and very classy. 

The tour of 2 weeks was about to end. Everyone exchanged emails and addresses. We had a great group of people from all over the USA. And we made few more friends like we have on so many other trips over the years.

I am sorry I could not put more photos on this blog because we took so many and experienced so much.

Nancy and I have talked about, "Where should we go next year?" and nothing is firm yet. But we'll let you know when we decide. Until then, stay safe, enjoy the fall and take care.

Our trip and where we are heading

 Yep, you guessed it, we are off (in 4 days) on another overseas trip. This time closer to the USA, Panama and then to Costa Rico. Nancy and I love to travel and experience the cultures, the food, the customs, and the meet the people. Eat with them in their homes, visit the schools and help anyway we can to better their lives. We can't wait. I had to clean the rust off my Spanish so (if needed) ask where the restrooms are and order food or a beer. But to make it easier, I downloaded a "Translator" on my phone. Which bring another topic to mine. The world of computers and AI , Artificial Intelligence. A big topic these days.

I have been thinking about this for a while, ever since someone showed me how the could write a letter with 'ChatGPT'.  I thought it was cool at first but then, "WHY?" Do I want a computer program to write my blog or my book or a term paper while my brain goes to mush. Hell no! Yes, it's easy and quick, but is it me, NO.

I believe the threat of AI doing things we don't want it to do is (I believe) is coming unless the techno-geeks slow it down or stop it. Our world is already built around computer chips and computers. Look around and see all the electronics you have that are computers that run software without you knowing it. Start with how you are reading this, your phone, TV, microwave, stove, cars and trucks, cameras, maybe your home. The average newer car has at least 6 computers in it. I know this because I put some in the cars I built over the years. People wanted the modern conveniences while they drive. And then there is "Facebook" and "Instagram" and many other who (and again I believe) have poisoned and addicted our children and now seniors with their programing. Can you distinguish whether something is real or fake when you see it online? Sometimes I can not. It is scary. Scammers are taking that and making millions off of us.

I started my computer-ing life back in 1986 with a new Commodore 64 that I had to upload DOS every time I wanted to use it. My first cellular phone was a 'Brick phone'. Yes I have become a victim too. And we love the convenience to have a phone handy if someone what to tell or look where we are going on 'Google Map', or to let go of the steering wheel and let the car drive itself. That I have not done yet, and probably will not ever. I don't trust them.  When you are bored, set and write all the terms that came from computers like, "GOOGLE THAT" or download or upload any app. You do the rest, you'll be amazed.

Oh yeah, out trip? Why Panama and Costa Rico ... I never been there, the pictures look good and I wanted to celebrate my 80th birthday somewhere my family did not make a big deal about me turning ancient. Yes I am slower, but not laying down yet. Have a GREAT DAY like the following states:

"May the fleas of a thousand camels infest the crotch of the person who screws up your day and may their arms be too short to scratch."

There are events and days we will NEVER forget.

 Just two days ago, we observed the 25th anniversary of the day two airlines crashed into the World Trade Center in Manhattan New York. Thousands of Americans died when both towers collapsed to the ground as the occupants ran toward some sort of protective cover and police, firefighters and other brave souls ran toward the destruction in an attempt to save lives. Some of those heroes lived, but, many did not. Some are dying slowly from the debris they encountered digging through the rubble. Along with the search dogs and clergy there to give comfort to those grieving and in distress.

I was in my last few weeks as a active firefighter in the Phoenix Fire Department at my office at our oldest retired fire station, Station 8. I had just turned on the old TV there to hear what the latest news. I walked into the kitchen to get a refreshed cup of coffee before returning to my desk to catalog some old pictures. A news flash came on with a demanding voice stating a plane just flew into the Trade Center tower in New York. I rushed back into the TV day room with my coffee to get the whole story and there I sat for the next few hours glued to the TV screen in disbrief of what I saw and heard evolving. Watching airplanes over and over again crashing into the towers like replays of a football game. That day changed not only the United States, but the entire world. And it is still effecting us to this day.

Not only did November 11, 2001 change our lives, but so did September 7th, 1941 when Pearl Harbor was attacked.  November 22, 1963, the day President Kennedy was assassinated and so many other days in our lives and our parents lives, and will live on with our children's' lives. 

Someone, smarter than me, once said, " History dictates what our future will present to us again and again if we don't change our ways."  Maybe he was talking about global warming and trying to be the law enforcer of the world. We did not win in Korea or in Viet Nam or Afghanistan.

History should never be forgotten. We should ask ourselves what can I do to NOT repeat this disaster, but always remember, somethings you have no control of, so you can not blame yourself for the end result. Just whatever you can do to prevent it from happening again. Never beat yourself up saying, "What if I did ..."  Maybe I should have done..." We can NOT see into the future.

There are plenty of things I wished I had done differently, and I try hard not the repeat my mistakes.  Lessons learned is how we grow into a better and smarter person. Take care and stay safe.

Investigate BEFORE you hit "ENTER"

Has anyone gotten scammed with what looks like a great deal or a cool product online? Well, I have to admit, I have. Scammers are using AI to copy and repost valid looking web pages and grabbing millions from unsuspecting people. No just older people, but everyone. It's a crime but really hard for authorities to stop. And it's not only online but on TV, radio, with these phrases: "Operators are standing by" "Time is limited, order now, only ?? left." "What are you waiting for?" This is a limited offer, act now." 'Supply is going fast." "Don't be a victim, get yours before they are gone." "Don't be late, act now." And my favorite, "Fill out this survey with your email address and phone number." NO, DON'T DO THAT!! Now they have your information to dig deeper for social security number, home addresses and so on. And if you do order something online, make sure it ships from the good old USA. That is where I got took. Even if it looks too good, it's not. 

Even on Amazon, Walmart, Target web sites, look closely at the page and see if it is real. Sometimes it is very hard to see the real thing.

Don't fall for the flashing page that comes up saying "Your computer is infected by a virus, call this number for help." Somewhere, somehow you unwillingly downloaded a virus and they want to get you on the phone to hack you bigtime. Don't call! It looks real, it sounds real but it's not. 

I don't know about your area but it seems the Phoenix area has been flooded with injury attorney advertisements. "In a wreck, need a check?" "Were you in the Navy or a firefighter? We got your back. Have you been diagnosed with Mesothelioma." And the latest, "Don't be a victim of home property title theft." It is getting so you can trust anything you see or hear of social media or TV and radio. Even some of the purchasable program to stop this stuff use the same tactics by scaring you into thinking you need them. And you may, but look at the fine print first. You may change your mind.

All of this is scary to someone who does not think as well as they did 20 or 30 years ago. There are too many distrustful things going on, and we all have to realize the days of good people in the world is going away. But believe me, there are still a lot of the good guys and girls around that would never lead you wrong.  I hope people think I am one of the good folks. I know you are too. Take care, stay safe and stay alert.

Gosh it's HOT!

You know this, it's been damn hot, and it is no matter where you travel. So in my retirement (and maybe before) I have worn shorts whenever and are allowed, which mostly everywhere we go. Well, except into so religious places overseas. Once I had to wrap a skirt around myself to go in a holy place. I was not the only guy or girl that had to do that. I guess they were prepared for Americans. We each just looked around at each other and shrugged our shoulders. 

Anyway, I wear shorts all the time. Did you know that in 1936 in Yonkers NY, they had a LAW saying "NO ONE CAN WEAR SHORTS IN PUBLIC". And the law was enforced with a $150 fine and possible jail time. How crazy is that? The law lasted only a couple years. 

So trying to get out of the heat for a week or so, we flew to Tennessee to visit so friends and a cousin of mine. Guess what? It was hot there too. Not AS BAD as Phoenix, but hot.

We visited so real awesome places like Oak Ridge and the place featured in  the movie 'Oppenheimer'. It is called K-25 and the place the first nuclear bomb was created. A huge 400 acre area in the middle of and close to a very small town. The government cleared off many acres just the build this and disassembled it immediately after the war.

The concrete in the background is where the huge building stood. After that, we toured the museum which was mind blowing. Actual artifacts and reproductions of objects they used, but never knew what they were building. Everyone who was hired lived there and could not leave. Everything they would need was in this government made city, food, hospital, gas station, schools, housing, swimming pools, activities, everything. No one knew what others did, even the scientists working on the actual bomb. The museum held more information than my little brain could comprehend, but so cool. This to follow up our trip to Los Alamos New Mexico a few weeks before.

Just before we visited with my cousin, we went to the Eastern Tennessee History Museum in downtown Knoxville. Since my ancestors came from Tennessee while it was part of North Carolina (1750s), I thought it would be a neat place to do a little research and kill some time. Again, a very cool place it you like history. One exhibit that brought back memories from my teenager years was an old drug store very much like the one I worked at through my high school years, Bernhardt's.  I think I started at 75 cents an hour and when I left I was making $1.50. The big bucks. Of course that was in the mid-60s. Gosh I am old. 

My cousin is one of my favorites, and it was so good the visit with her and her friend Bob. Great guy. She took us to a State Park with a beautiful waterfall and a drive through some unbelievable forest roads. So thick, I almost got claustrophobic. But one thing I did not luck was the bugs. That I love about Arizona, NO BUGS, to speak off.

Didn't I start this blog complaining about the heat in Arizona? Well, it was not AS hot there but still hot so we flew home.

A great trip to see friends and a relative. Over all, good time. But I wore shorts the whole time, and I usually do anyway. Take care, stay safe and stay cool. Later.

First long RV trip, in a while.

 On June 28th, Nancy and I sat out to go visit some friends in Santa Fe NM, and eventually get to Arkansas to see our oldest grandson. Cody will be a senior at Henderson State University studying aviation and on their swim team. 

This was the first long RV trip in our new 5th wheel. If you have an RV (no matter what type) there are things you want to have that make it yours, little things mostly. So we started a list to buy, fix, modify, or whatever.

First major stop was in Santa Fe to visit with our two beloved fellow world and companion travelers and hang out for 3 days, catching up, see some interesting things around Santa Fe, and share a bottle (or two) of wine. Great visit. 

Santa Fe is a very visitable city and historic with old churches, western movie sets and a LOT of heritage in the Southwest. Georgia O'Keefe, the renowned artist, loved the southwest and Santa Fe so much she bought the 'Ghost Ranch' and made it her home for many years. The red cliffs, Native American culture and the flat top bluffs inspired her art, furniture and design work

which made her famous.

 One old movie set we visited grabbed me too. I just loved the views and imaged how people lived in such a place had to be so hard.

The next few town were one nights like Amarillo (of which 60 years ago I flew for first time into Amarillo for Air Force basic and tech school training) Wichita Falls and finally DeGray Lake outside of Arkadelphia Arkansas to see our pretty tall (6'5") G-son. He did not get that from me or Nancy. His dad's side.

DeGray Lake is back water from a dam and was built nicely for camping, boating, resort hotel, marinas and very crowded on July 4th, which was the day we arrived. Those people love their boating and camping. As soon as Sunday evening rolled around, the place cleared out quickly. By Monday, there were 2 other campers and us. Sweet!

Cody showed us the biggest Magnolia tree in the state, HUGE!! A whole town that registered as totally historic and just had a great time with him.

Our 1,300+ mile trip was at its turn around spot.  From DeGray lake, it would be to far to hit I-40, and thinking we could not only save some miles but time too if we'd cut across Arkansas farther west to hit I-40. We got a great tour of the curviest, bumpiest, farm roads I had ever see. Finally getting to I-40 we headed west and glad until the potholes that we hit. I was sure we were going to blow a tire either on the truck or the 5th wheel. But we did not. But it sure rattled the camper enough to make screws come out.

After a couple days of driving, I needed a rest and a day off. Finally reaching far enough west, we decided to stay in Santa Rosa NM., on the old Route 66 (like so many small towns I-40 passed by) and the home of the 'Blue Hole'. How cool this was. Who would believe New Mexico had a blue hole that was so clear you can see 60 feet straight down. And that isn't where it stopped. there are two underground lakes that supply it. On the very hot Sunday afternoon when we went there, it seemed like the whole little town was there swimming and cooling off from the heat. Scuba drivers were there too, diving in the 62 degree clear blue waters of the Blue Hole. It is a must stop if you go that way.

Arriving home was a happy sight, especially after all the potholes I maneuvered around at 75 MPH, avoiding semi-trucks and the next pothole. out of the 5 states we drove through, I would rate 3 out of 5 the WORST roads ever. 

But all-in-all, the trip was great seeing friends and family is always great. I love seeing the country, but I think the next time we'll fly. Take care and stay safe.

Proofing ourself

It seems to be that we always have to proof ourself to others because they do not know your capabilities and skill level. They don't know how you will respond to different scenarios, so you try to show them you are capable to perform that task. Apparently your past experiences don't really matter to some people, they want to see you "do the job". 

When I was first hired on the fire department, I was one of the oldest in my class of recruits. After a few weeks, after two of them got fired or quit, I became the oldest at age 30, competing against 18 year old's. I admit it was tough. I had come from the corporate world and worked my way up to a manager position. As a Staff sergeant in the Air Force, I also managed tasks and others. So convincing my new bosses was not hard, but a pain at times. There were always quizzes about my work history and capabilities. Some bosses were easy going and others (or I should say) were hard ass, to be blunt. Either way, I believe I showed them I could do the job and did it efficiently. 

After my probation period, I was sent from station to station until a open spot was available. At each station, I had to proof myself. That got old real quick. After a few months a spot became open and I got it. Then I found myself watching others to see what their skill level was. Some were quickly accepted, some it took the bosses to talk to them, and some were butt-kissers trying to get accepted and be one of the "good old boys".  I never really cared for that type. If you were not one of them, you were treated like an outsider. They were like "back stabbers" and I never trusted them.

These lessons taught me to accept everyone as an equal until they show me otherwise. I don't care about color, race, religion, sexual beliefs, or politics. I don't listen to gossip or rumors about anyone, that is someone else's opinion and not mine. I understand people say thing they don't really mean, so I give them the benefit of the doubt and let it slide. I ask no more of anyone except their respect, kindness and acceptance for who I am and not to be judged. That is God's job.  It is my belief we should all try to follow those standards and as the Golden Rule says, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Treat them like you want them to treat you. I believe most of you really do this. This is written in all spiritual writings in all religions. 

My former and late Fire Chief said it best in two word, "Be Nice" That says it all. Take care, stay safe and be nice. We will be on the road for the next few weeks.