Deuce was patient too and we all had a grand time.

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I think I mentioned being in the country and how pretty it was, well it was indeed and Deuce enjoyed it most of the time too.  She is, for a dog, a very pleasant dog, and if I had to have one, I reckon she would do.  She  has definitely adopted me which is very very nice and for which I am very grateful.  Should she decide otherwise I would be in serious trouble.  Deuce is however a very gentle dog.  At any rate, she enjoyed the county immensely.

Here is the house where we stayed, above is the front, behind Jen in the photo below  is one of two hammocks that I think I napped in.  Rumor has it that I did anyway.

Back gate into barn area 

Some of the cows Deuce enjoyed herding, or thinking she was

There was one difficulty for Deuce, there were three other dogs present, two dachshunds and one chiwawaha ( my spelling of little yappy dog will not even get close enough for spell check -- sound it out and you have the correct breed).  She was more patient than Stephen with some of the barking.  One of the dachshunds had the most pleasant of barks, and the little yappy dog of course yapped - but not a lot - in comparison.  Deuce would try to play but most of the time just kinda put up with them.  The dachshunds were old and little dog very young.

little yappy dog meets Deuce below 

Deuce explained something and yappy dog surprised.

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climbing the como del alleno

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This past weekend when we were out of the city, in addition to finding a few places to eat, we went on a couple of rigorous hikes or mountain climbing expeditions -- short expeditions as we are not talking scaling high alpine peaks here, just some old volcanoes and such.  Any rate to get to a nice place to start it is necessary to drive over a bit of a rough road.  Stephen actually likes that.  Surprised you on that one didn't I ?

Then you start out walking in a generally upward direction.  Helpful too aren't I ?

Taking time to startle the cattle in the valley below with a loud shout.  It is obvious this place does not get the rain, Panama City does.

Take a little time out to throw rocks while waiting for the rest of the party to catch up.

Then you climb some more, and after that some more.

and then you can look out over the other side of the mountain

and see other mountains that need to be climbed too.

and there are certainly a lot of them too.  That is one much larger mountain behind me and is for another day.

restaurant Review #12 -- Meson de Santa Cruz Pasceo Andaluz

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You can bet with a name like that, was are not talking side of the road diner, no sirree bob, this place was nice like nice.

This is the main entrance and I recommend that you use this one, the side entrance is next to the Dog Butt Bite saloon, which according to local lore is not the place one really wants to be long -  It did not look like the type of place you would tell your Mom that you went to either.

any rate as seen above, the restaurant had lots of art, I mean lots of it.  Rooms full of it, pictures, art work and this was just a room between rooms. Below is part of the outdoor patio area, and on the inside were a variety of rooms and decor.

We four had a room for ourselves, though there were three other tables in the room, all elegantly set with multiple pieces of stemware, and lots of eating utensils, aka spoons and forks.  I had the seafood, of course, with a special sauce and some papas.  It was quite good.

opps, this photo below is out of place,-- the road side cafe, about 10 feet off the highway to Penonome where we tied Deuce outside - well almost outside - is one of Stephen's favorites.  You know how he likes health food.  The place made sausage.  four types of sausage is their specialty.  They also had bread.  That's it.  They also sold canned drinks.  For Deuce it was as healthy as it gets.  I think Jen had some bread and a Diet Pepsi.  Also she checked her blackberry for email.

Below I am with the head waiter, in the main dining room. -- of the Meson - not the road side diner --  I forgot to reset the light filter on my camera  - hence the slightly incorrect coloring )  Here we have even more stemware.  I really wanted to eat in here but there were other guests dining in here when we came in.  I like stemware.

So in addition to a good breakfast, dinner is served quite well in this town too.  Another thing I like here in this part of Panama is "El clima vairia de calido a fresco en las areas montanosas"  -- taken from a tourist brochure.  I haven't learned that much.

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this is no "Where's Waldo" world

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When we come into a town, it is not a subtle entry, Stephen puts down the back seat window for Deuce and she enjoys the view and creates a bit of a stir as we cruise through town.

I figure it is now time for me to pull my Jason Bourne routine and melt into the crowd.  Disappear quickly, adapt to the surroundings and in the vein of Indiana Jones partner, be gone.

Jen is attempting to follow me by camera, tracking me with telephoto lens

Note the quick move,

studying the surrounding and street scape

My partner creates a diversion, himself, hardly a blip on the screen to the locals

We join forces and move into the natural fauna of the town square

where with Jen, we are virtually hidden posing as a statue with Simon Bolivar

and now find me here if you can, cause I am gone.

think I could live here

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Yes living here would be possible

the porches are comfortable

and have a bit of a cross breeze

somewhat of a view

not to far from a stream with rock garden for entertaining friends

I should mention things seem to grow here

including floweres

and watching the Appaloosa horses is relaxing

restaurant Review #11 --breakfast like you wish you had

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On a busy street in a provincial capital slap dab in the middle of Panama, breakfast is served.  Man- oh man is it served.  This is the street outside the place busy huh ?    So this is where the action is -- As well as Don Popi restaurant. 

The cook is working in the back in an open style kitchen so the guests can see and hear meals being prepared.  The menu is posted so no need to hand out menu's. Besides the menu is just a list of suggestions according to Allen, our host - Stephen and Jen's friend who lives here.

The view below, looking  back towards shows the front of the restaurant and the street, the cashier is visible who also sells a little candy and few drinks from a box by the door.  This makes the restaurant really unique with those services -- unique like every other store.

Here is where this place gets it going.  The wait staff -- of one - - is a treat, loved my efforts at Spanish, laughed at my humor, and kept the coffee full -- and the coffee was good.

Now check out that plate, steak, eggs, onions, peppers, corn fritters and whoa -- you need to try this meal out.  The cold water was also nice.  Check out my Desportes page from La Prenza to the left of my plate.  Ask me again if I think this retirement thing is going to work.

Soon to be subject of a  post -- Paul disappears into the crowd, illustrating how adept he is at melding into the local culture and street scape.   Hint Stephen really helps.  But first breakfast.

it is Wednesday

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And what might that signify, well that means yesterday Patt went back to the land of issuance of our passport for one thing.  And in these parts that is a big deal.  Patt and Jen each shed a tear or two

Here are Stephen, Jen and Patt in front of the office building in which their office is on what we would call the third floor, but here is the second.  -- not sure why, but it is.  the ground floor is ground floor and first is first above ground I reckon.  When I understand Spanish better and find someone who knows the history of naming floors in buildings in Panama, I may have an interesting ( well perhaps not ) conversation.

Another thing about Wednesday, I start Spanish lessons today so by this evening I may be able to let you know about the floor thing.

And below  is a photo of Stephen and Jen in the reception area of their office.  They share a receptionist with about five other offices.--all somewhat small.-- They do have two conference rooms in their suite though.

And  now for those of you who questioned my ability to walk and chew gum.  How about eat an ice cream cone and walk ! ! !   Patt is encouraging me.

for my brothers

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Next to our apartment is a very noisy construction site where very deep holes are being drilled for the foundation of a new hotel.  Concrete foundations are being poured and I am enjoying watching the activity from our windows.

What is this guy above looking for ?  My brothers know, and perhaps a few others of you do too.

The answer is nothing, he was washing out the inside after unloading his concrete at the site.  Note the hard hat and ear protectors.  Safety is something I have not quite figured out on the site.  For some things they are all over it with harnesses and hard hats and safety vests, for others, look out !!

Look at these two guys guiding the concrete in to a funnel connected to a very long pipe to take the concrete to the bottom of the bore hole for the foundation.

Talk about a real issue here, a slip and it is good bye Jose or Manuel or whomever it is.  Note also the mud on the wheels of the truck, it was not an easy job backing onto the site and the guy giving directions  was less than helpful.-- but typical.

The pipe at the end of the crane is only a portion of the depth as it is sectional

and the obligatory photo of trucks coming and going.

and an occasional whoops.  Backed that truck right into a hole.  He got the same guy helping him back is my assumption.
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