Memorial Day

I had a friend over and made my first angel food cake with dozen egg whites, then he didn't have piece, so now I had some after he left and now for breakfast. We grilled marinated veggies, yellow squash zucchini and peppers long with elote, corn on the cob. I also made a corn souffle. he grilled some beef kabobs and inside i cooked since 10 , pork butt, which was so good. I can't believe how much fat comes off.
I tossed the pan it was so grease packed. The rest I will shred for carnitas, pork, tacos which I love. I just need to get some whole wheat/corn tortillas.
I was ready to drop. My back gives out. I need to rest between tasks. I made these potatoes Delmonico's last night and should have done the cake too. or not made it at all. I wanted more help from John; No, I didn't ask. He did the grilling and started the charcoal.
After he left I crashed.
I got up around 4 and cleaned up and started a load of dishes. I did put the food away lst night.
Now for my strawberry, blueberry angelfood, raspberry breakfast. I made the cake because I thought it was less calories? It was 2 c sugar! Now I know. One.4 powdered and one regular.
It's a lot of work entertining or cooking at all. I tend to eat one thing. I made the potatoes and I had them for dinner and breakfast. I made so many I gave some away nd will still have too many after 2 c for me.
Now a relaxing day to relax and recover.

moving

I am looking at other places only because they are still funding positions for librarians. Snow and cold are not my favorites.
Tomorrow I will sub 5th grade. Actually, I canceled the assignment because I have a Dr./educ. apt. at Kaiser.

Naively I thought the volunteer ceremony involved some recognition for the volunteers, of course, the certificates and the books were for the kids followed by juice and cake. I took Naydalin pencils, stickers and a new book. I coax her training to the proper polite responses. She was overwhelmed by stuff. She wanted to be with her friends and I left her to them and sugar.

When I used to put on a luncheon for all my volunteers it was potluck between myself and my assistant, a sit down and time to visit in our home.

I went to the farmers market. Last night I made myself stuffed mushrooms of spinach. mushroom onion and feta. I need to make some more humus. I have some pine nuts to toast some where. I need tahini, ground sesame seeds. Then I went to the store. I figure I spent 20 dollars or more at the market and then over 50 at the supermarket. Let's see how long that will last.

I'm cleaning out the freezer. I'll actually have room and it hasn't happened in years.

I had to watch the last show of Oprah. I liked the last two star packed shows more than the final one.

4th grade

They almost did me in today. The mornings were OK then as the afternoon moved on I found the kids and me louder. I separated boys, help their hands, had them sit next to me, spoke to them and all the class about good manners and respect. I don't have the patience to teach. 20 2nd graders is different from 30, 4th graders. They really do need to keep class sized 1-3 at 20. This class was about 60-70 percent Hispanic.
They wanted to hear me speak Spanish. So I gave them a demo.

I had stories about Dr Masy, the black man who invented blood storage and died in DC because a white hospital refused to treat him with the transfusion process he invented because was no black blood. I had to go into MLK and segregation and Klu Klutz Klan, white robes, burning, Freedom Ride, march, white restaurants, bathrooms water fountains and about they had to drain the pool in Hollywood because Dorothy Danridge flicked her foor in the water.

Math in decimals and percentages..., not my strong suit. I was glad to have found the teachers edition to check answers.

Then, I told them about Fosey in Gorillas in the Midst. Both were in their reading practice. And what was happening in Rwanda with the civil war and genocide still going on.
One boy asked if Bush killed JFK??? Where do they get this stuff? They have such a tiny limited perspective of the world. Another reads on the 2nd grade level if that. i worked with him to have him understand a reading comprehension passage. At the end of the day we did government. They need to understand the different levels of district, city, state government and the judicial executive and legislative branches. They did know about some history and Father Junipero Sero. 4th grade is when they study CA Missions.
I taight them a lot on writing and graphics orgabizers again. This time I worked thru lunch to finish the essay to show them how easy it was and how much they had already done in the organizer.

Then there were the one's who tattled. And others that did nothing. That frustrates me. When tey are capitvated and engaged it's so cool, wven they aren't and drift I want the attention back.

My bridge scores yesterday were up.

On the other hand, several did come and thank me and say good bye at the end of the day.

I didn't know MN was in the tornado path. Forget the Midwest. Tornado season is worse than earthquake possibility. None of us have insurance.

I'm going into curves tomorrow to try it out.

Shopping

I made some split pea soup. A half package makes about 4 c. I froze 1/2/ I am in the process of cleaning out the freezer.
Why don't places come with refrigerators? I had to buy my first in HI and left it there. I got another here and replaced that one.

I had a pantry built. Can I detach that and move it if I have room? Why aren't dishwashers removed? Why are washer and dryers extra too?
I ended yp getting Marilyn a refrigerator from the Sears outlet. It was a mess. She finally got a new one after it leaked all over the floor of the house she rented on the ocean.

I turned on the sprinklers. I replaced the lawn once. Today I sowed wildflower seeds. The foolish man took out my lilies too. I put in a self timer on the sprinklers, not sure it works anymore either. I like to read the Sunday papers.

I've been playing a lot of bridge. I'm not sure I get better.. I sure appreciate a good partner.

Tomorrow I get to sub in 4th grade.

I'm investigating cooking for people thru gobble.com. People pick what they want and order it for pick up or delivery. I know my staminia isn't up for it but I can manage and demonstrate and direct and hire. I need to work in a commercial kitchen. i once did a business plan for something like this in business school.

Shopping

clothes
I ordered some stuff online to be send to my local store for no shipping charges. The gal called and said they were here to come and try which I did. I sent all them back. The store was closing today. Everything was 70 percent off. I had to get a t for 3 dollars, and blouse for 3, a sweater and a pair of pants for 3 dollars. I probably didn't need any of it but for 20 dollars got it anyway.
What pissed me off is the girls told me I had to take the stuff I ordered to rtn at another store. There is no way in hell I was going to drive across Town to do that with gas at 3.99 a gallon. Yes it did go down 15 cents a gallon but still they said they were going to return it if I didn't come in. Does customer service end when the store closes. They were loosing their jobs and I feel for them, but you do what you contracted for. Don't tell me you can't do it. Don't offer to call someone send the stuff back. I just left. They were already billing me for the stuff.

kitty litter
kitty litter is convenient. Who ever first came up with the idea had some thing. The clumping scoopable litter is even better. To have a litter box where the cat goes to pee and poop is good. Cleaning litter boxes is icky but Lacy won't do it or use the toilet and eventually I get grossed out. I'm lazy. I use copy paper box lids as liners to the plastic litter box. It get's changed about once every week or 2 or month. As long as I am at school and have a supply, things are fine. Some people clean them with water and bleach and this is easier.

I do not need a dog. I would like to have one for walks. Lacy would not be happy with one. She is she and mostly an inside cat. I like being able to go away for a week. Dogs require more effort. Lacy is pretty independent. She is 10 like 70 in cat years. Still spry though. She only bugs me when she wants a treat. Sometimes for warer or to go out and food. Mostly I notice those.
Pets are not cheap. I may not replace Lacy when she goes.
I fostered 3 kittens to socialize them for a few months. The 2 girls were more social. By the end of 6 weeks or so the girls were more social. One girl was adopted. The boy eventually let me touch him and put a collar on. They all got those. I fed them and scooped.
I'd foster a dog med to large and try it out. I loved having Prince my lab mix. Unfortunately I had him only a few months Feb till June or so. I was so upset when he left. dad took him somewhere and I am still convinced he didn't take him to a farm. I hated having the maids yappy chiwowa, who ate a hole in my screen door I've had for 20 yrs., he wouldn't come close to me, ate through Lacy's leash too i was going to take him on a walk but she kept him as a lap dog and doesn't know how to walk on a leash.

"The need for volunteers in the United States, I am amazed people do not volunteer in their own country first. I refuse to participate in a volunteer group where all people are not welcome. A person should do volunteer work because it is the correct thing to do, not to earn “Brownie Points” in a vanity ledger.
Pj says this, I say who volunteers for that? I do because it makes me feel good.

Bummer

The weather the last 2 days was lovely. I love spring here. Feb- April

My used Prius, I bought for 30k is now worth 16 to a third party and 13 or so as a trade in.
I thought to get an older, cheaper something. I've had it about 5 yrs. It was a lease for 2 yrs. first. I should have asked for the car fax. The mileage is near 50 and I tend to fill up w gas at $4.15 for about 20. which lasts me generally 2 or more weeks depending on where I go. I tend to stay in the neighborhood.
Today was my last day to tutor my 2nd grader in Reading. Next week their is a volunteer appreciation luncheon.
That morning I am going to a Tea and yoga class in Los Altos in a fancy Dr. retirement place w monthly rent in the neighborhood of 4000k a month. It is a place that has meals, activities and I am just interested. I don't need assisted living, although I would like to live in that section of town. I am looking to downsize from a 3 b.r. house to 2 bedroom condo. A patio would be fine. I was looking at Port Townsand and Seattle, Oregon and upper CA.
I'm tired of the yard work. I usually only have one major cleanup, Monthly there is a little bit. This year I pruned the fruit trees extensively especially the lemon with a bit more to do. and look out the from curb bushes. I was tired of trimming them. The needed a haircut on the sidewalk and curb sides too often. The bushes I have are spider houses too. That goes w the 14 or so 49-50 ft. tall Italian cypress in the back too. My neighbor was leary of them and wanted to cut them, I tried cutting them from the bottom up to 10 ft or so. Boy was that a lot. I rented a chain saw, had 2 workers and filled the street with tree cuttings. Also, an error.

My gas bill this mo. was 15.54 and the elec. 12.32.
I have no cell.

I got an offer to sub 5th gr, Fri., but I have an annual Dr's apt.

My dear friend Kim had some major surgery and is recovering.

subbed 1st grade today

fireplace Sonoma Mission Inn, Mariyn in the lobby and the front fountain and wisteria


They wore me out. It was compound by the fact I only slept from 12-3.
First graders have the attention span of a gnat. We managed to get everything done but the transition between one thing and another takes forever including starting another subject and opening their books. It is impressive thought that the kids have the formula for writing a 5 paragraph paper down already. They start and end with transition words, First, Next, then and Finally. The art is sad. Like anywhere there are sharp quick students and those who put in the least amount of effort. Next Mon, I sub. 4th grade. I have to use lunch to lay down on the floor. That helped.

Then I went to tutor reading. Natalie, my student at another school perked me up.
She doesn't much like getting down to business, plays and gets off task, but her reading may be improving, I think. She started on the 1.3 level and is now up to 2.7 almost at grade level.
It's nice too have a feeling of belongingness. Next week is then end of the program for the year and there is a Volunteer appreciation luncheon.
Took a nap from 5-10.

I'd rather be back at the Sonoma Mission Inn in a room on 1000 threat count sheets, a peach blanket, the fire place lit reading and napping, then go over to the spa to soak in the hot tubs, hit the meditation room with it's fireplace and comfy chairs, refresh with some orange/grapefruit slices, almonds with some water. Then go back for afternoon wine and dinner by room service next to another fire.

Passover

Carolina's and her daughter frenchie's 35th b.d.

from kittyqwhiskers.com blog I need to watch where they post.

May all your doors be passed over.


For some reason my other blog was not posting so I am moving here.

Panama or Costa Rica?????...................................................

Why do they leave from Miami not CA they are on the Pacific, at least Costa Rica is!!

Yard work duty cut most off the lemon tree out of the orange tree but the cut two parts of the orange tree too!! got to watch. All i did was squeeze lemons or lemonade and my feet are aching. There is so much to do 2 guys 4 hrs at 10 an hr. Wore me out.

They want to come and clean out the garage too which I also need. Armando was the last to do that and it must be 3 yrs ago at least w Miriam.

didn't know I

saved 15 w coupons at the grocery store. Takes a lot if use though.

Going to do the 17 day diet to start. on and on

I need to make these breakfast bars. They have oats, vanilla whey powder, *from the health food sale or mail order) applesauce, agave nectar, raisins or craisins or prunes or cranberries and or almonds. I almost tracked down truvia a 0 cal. sweetener. I had a dollar of coupon. The Savemart didn't have it so I got another and she let me use the coupon. Small things make me happy.

There are coupons and some that are just too much like buy two Dole and get 60 cents off on pineapple the store brand is cheaper. Then the same w Swanson broth. I leave the coupons on the items I pass up.

I made some split pea soup w a ham hock

garlic. bay leaf. pepper, homemade chicken broth.

carrot, celery and onion and marjoram.

I'm trying to stick to grains. The lentils were good with turkey smoked sausage. I made too many lentils though. It needed 2x the amount of sausage.
I gave some to Kirk and Jim and threw the rest out. I might have kept it longer but convinced myself it was the thing stinking up the frig. It wasn't, the chicken stock was. There is no room in the freezer. I should rent one or buy one, they are cheap and put it in the garage or family room.

Caro has 2 extra one in her garage and one on the sun porch.

farmers market today.. yummy salsa, asparagus, Fuji apples, celery tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, almonds, whole wheat bread, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, grapes and raisins

walked with Kirk and his dog Sophia in the mtns. There was a sailing expo and hands on workshop too in SF.

On my way to the Sonoma Mission Inn w Marilyn for a week to celebrate her b.d. and spa it. Manicures, facials, massages, pedicures, swims, tennis, walking and dining. A good time to visit with her. see: www.somomamissioninn.com

April 17, 2011..........................

Dear International Living Reader,

Barbara Dove and her husband, Alfred, live in a luxurious four-bedroom apartment on the 23rd floor of a high-rise building in Marbella—one of Panama City’s most elite neighborhoods. With ocean and city views, it’s twice as big as their former condo in Seattle, and in many ways it’s more luxurious. (With a doorman, a pool they enjoy year-round, and a full-time maid.) But it cost them just one-third as much as a far smaller apartment in Seattle.

"We're spoiled here; I don’t think we could go back to the States and the way things were," Barbara says.

Luckily, they won’t be going back. Barbara and Alfred couldn’t be happier with their new lives in Panama and they’re here to stay.

Why Panama? “From our first visit it just felt right,” she says.

That first visit was in 2006. Barbara found a real estate brochure in her hotel room and the properties and prices seemed too good to pass up. She and Alfred went for a look and by the end of the week, they had bought the apartment where they now live.

Today, they’re completely at home.

Barbara and her family (an adult daughter also fell in love with and moved to Panama) especially enjoy the city nightlife and international flavor. They’ve become active in the local community, and have created projects like Arte en Vivo, a charity auction with a twist: crowds watch painters at work and pieces are auctioned off literally as the paint dries.



You Needn’t Be of ‘Official’ Retirement Age to Qualify for the World’s Best Retirement Program

If you’re over 18, you can qualify for Panama’s Pensionado Program – widely recognized as the best retirement program in the world. Just provide documentation of a guaranteed pension income of $1,000 a month from a government agency (e.g. social security, disability, armed forces) or corporation. If you buy a home in Panama valued at $100,000 or more, that amount is reduced to just $750 per month.

As a qualified pensionado in Panama, you’re entitled to:

50% off entertainment—such as movies, theaters, concerts, and sporting events – anywhere in the country

50% off closing costs for home loans and more…

50% off hotel stays from Monday through Thursday

30% off hotel stays from Friday through Sunday

30% off bus, boat, and train fares

25% off airline tickets

25% off at restaurants

20% off medical consultations

20% off professional and technical services

15% off hospital bills (if no insurance applies)

15% off dental and eye exams

10% off prescription medicines

And more…

You’re also entitled to a one-time exemption from duties on the importation of your household goods (up to $10,000) and, an exemption every two years from duties on the importation or local purchase of a car.

“Panama is our home now,” Barbara says, “and we love it. Part of it is the Panamanians themselves. They are so open, so accepting."

In fact, it’s hard to deny the welcome that Panama offers, especially to foreign retirees. To prove the point, the government has created the World’s Best Retirement Program. And foreigners are welcome to participate.

Originally designed as a way to reward Panama’s own senior citizens for a lifetime of hard work, the government of Panama passed Law 9 back in 1987. But they quickly realized the benefits of extending these same opportunities to foreigners who retire to Panama.

Panama's Pensionado Program is the most generous and appealing program of special benefits you'll find anywhere in the world today.

Barbara and Alfred obtained residency in Panama via the Pensionado (Retirement) Program. And they’ve already taken advantage of the huge savings it affords them, especially when it comes to medical care.

Barbara is open about the fact that she has Parkinson's: "My case is quite mild," she explains, "but I have to think about the future. You know I can get 24-hour care here for under $20 a day?"

At present she doesn't need in-home care, but she’s comforted by the fact that in Panama it’s easy and inexpensive to arrange. And as she has discovered, health care here is first rate. Her doctors speak English and trained in the best hospitals in the U.S. and Europe. And costs are one-third to one-tenth of what she paid back in Seattle.

Costs are so low in Panama, in fact (and quality of treatment is so high), that she has recently taken advantage of some elective procedures that she wouldn’t have pursued in the U.S.. For example she treated herself to a laser resurfacing facial treatment. In Seattle, similar procedures can cost $1000 to $4500. But the cost in Panama? Just $300.

Still, Barbara cautions, "Don’t come to Panama for the price of real estate or even healthcare. Come for the lifestyle."

And Right Now You Can Find out if Panama is Right for You…

This week, almost 350 International Living readers are gathering in Panama City for this year's ONLY Live and Invest in Panama Seminar. While there they’ll discover everything they need to know about Panama to help them decide if it's their ideal retirement or relocation destination…

They’ll come away with all the knowledge and contacts necessary to make their move with confidence.

If you couldn’t join us in Panama for this very popular Live & Invest in Panama Seminar…don't worry.

We've found a way to share this information with you at home…quickly, easily, and affordably…

Announcing—The 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package

Including all the recorded presentations

and all of the speaker's slideshows and more…

I’m Jackie Flynn, International Living publisher. For years I’ve been reading about all that Panama has to offer. And with each trip to that country I’m always impressed. Panama City is a world-class city…with fantastic hospitals, fabulous shopping malls, extraordinary restaurants. And the weather? As I write this I’m freezing in a cold snap in Ireland…so you can imagine how I’m longing to be back in the sunshine of tropical Panama right now!

But of course there’s more to Panama than wonderful weather. So what is it…specifically…about Panama that makes living there such a pleasure?

Why does Panama meet all the criteria on most anyone’s ‘perfect overseas lifestyle’ checklist:

Close to the U.S. (just a 2 ½ hour flight from Miami)

Political stability and very low crime rates

Excellent weather, with a climate for everyone, from tropical beaches to temperate mountains

Top-quality healthcare—the gleaming new Punta Pacifica Hospital is affiliated with Baltimore’s renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital

No income taxes on foreign-earned income

Now, it’s true that a lot of the things I’ve just mentioned can be found in other Latin American countries, too. Some are even closer to the U.S. (but not by much). And many have democratically elected governments. (Although few are as stable and safe as Panama.)

But there are some things that are unique to Panama that you may not be aware of:

You can drink the tap water

No property taxes on homes or condos constructed in the last 20 years

The U.S. dollar is the official currency

A built-in community of English-speaking locals and expats

No hurricanes

The world’s best retirement incentive program, and…

It’s affordable, affordable, affordable–live well on as little as $979 a month!

I’ll tell you more in a moment about how comfortable and inexpensive it is to live in Panama. But first, I want to tell you about another expat couple I met during my visit…Stephen Johnson and Linda Murdock.

Reclaim Your Retirement Dreams Like Stephen and Linda Did

In 2002, and just about to turn 57, Stephen was a corporate executive, and his wife, Linda, 51, owned a successful specialty dog-food business.

They were starting to think about retiring. Problem was, they’d gotten a late start on their retirement planning. They didn’t have as much equity built up in their home as they would’ve liked. They had watched their friends struggle in retirement with rising taxes and runaway healthcare costs. And these were friends who were better off than they were…

Over late-night glasses of wine on their patio, they talked about their options. Linda had taken up surfing on her 50th birthday, and she wasn’t ready to give that up. Steve wanted to be in a place where the cost of living was low since his pension would amount to 40% of his pre-retirement income of $150,000.

But they were pretty sure they wouldn’t be able to maintain their current standard of living once they retired. To do that, they knew they’d need to move somewhere with a lower cost of living.

They made a checklist of all the things they were looking for in a retirement destination, and they started doing the research.

As I explained, one place stood out. Panama.

In 2003, Stephen and Linda traveled to Panama and, they say, with help from International Living, they decided that “this place looks pretty promising.”

Affordable and Appealing

"With all of its benefits and active expatriate community, Panama is among the most affordable and appealing options for retirees."

— Washington Post

Just outside Panama City, they toured likely beach towns where Linda tried out the surfing.

“We bought a spacious three-bedroom house with a nicely landscaped yard for $100,000 in a little town called San Carlos,” Stephen says.

Three years later, Linda sold her business and Stephen retired.

“We moved to Panama with a dog, a cat, and our suitcases,” he says. And they’re more than happy. “Panama may not be the end of the rainbow, but it’s pretty close.”

In the 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package, you’ll learn how to salvage your own retirement dreams. You’ll hear from the expats and experts who can help you make your move to Panama…full- or part-time…as easy as possible

But Are There Still Deals to Be Had on Panama Real Estate?

It doesn’t hurt that in Panama, as Business Week magazine reported not long ago, “a luxe beachfront manse can be had for the same price as a dump in Daytona.”

In that same Business Week article, International Living reader Jon Nickel was quoted. "We would have been looking at $3 million in Miami," he says of his 3,000-square-foot oceanfront penthouse in Panama City. But Jon and his wife, Gretchen, bought their home in late 2007 for $250,000, right after Jon retired from his corporate law job in Portland, Oregon.

Not Ready to Buy? Rent!

Panama City offers a multitude of choices for people in the market for a good rental. If you plan to spend $600 per month in rent, you'll have lots of options for quality living…probably with a bit left over!

In the 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package, we’ll tell you exactly where and how to find the country’s best rental bargains.

The sprawling, sparkling condo in Panama City’s upscale Punta Paitilla neighborhood has a birds-eye view of the equally sparkling Bay of Panama from the floor to ceiling windows. They have a doorman who screens visitors and helps carry packages, daily household help for cleaning. And they enjoy a luxurious lifestyle that they couldn’t have afforded in the U.S.

In fact, by moving to Panama, Jon was able to retire earlier than he had originally planned – at age 58.

And yes, deals like the Nickels got on their condo are still available in Panama. Thanks to the global economic downturn of the past two years, I daresay some prices are about the same as they were when the Jon and Gretchen and Steve and Linda bought their homes.

And remember, Panama offers a big buyer’s incentive in its tax-exemption program. Buy new construction and you are exempt from paying any property taxes for up to 20 years!

Check out these bargains that I found recently:

In Panama City’s convenient Parque Lefevre neighborhood where many Panamanian professionals make their homes), a small (just 800 sq. ft.) two-bedroom condo is on sale for just $45,000. It even has a maid’s room with its own bathroom. And it comes with one parking spot…and monthly condo fees are just $25!

In the new Punta Pacifica neighborhood (adjacent to where Jon and Gretchen Nickel live), you’ll find a luxurious 1240-sq.ft. four-bedroom, four-bath condo. There’s a nice balcony to catch the ocean breezes and with views of the bay and the city. The building has a large swimming pool and exercise room, too. Price: just $184,000 and that’s fully furnished!

In the established El Cangrejo neighborhood (very popular with expats) near Plaza Edison – close to shopping and nightlife—you can pick up a fully furnished two-bedroom, two-bath penthouse with a large balcony for just $95,000 – with 10 years of tax exemption remaining.

What the experts say…

Ronan McMahon, executive director of Pathfinder Real Estate has logged hundreds of thousands of travel miles in pursuit of the world’s best real estate bargains. Here’s what he says about today’s Panama real estate market:

“The past five years has seen an unprecedented boom in Panama as the skyline has been transformed with cranes and new construction. As condo buildings complete, some buyers (mostly from the U.S. who had planned on raising funds from lines of credit at home) find themselves unable to close. They need to sell—or they will lose their deposit, and maybe more. They are joining the growing ranks of motivated sellers.

A motivated seller will sell for much less than the “official” price per square meter. With the right contacts and information, you can buy a quality condo for $1,500 per square meter—more than 40% less than that ‘official’ price.”

Ronan’s business partner, Margaret Summerfield, has this to say:

There is over-supply in the city, so don't buy pre-construction… in a soft, over-supplied market, the risks are higher. However, Panama still makes sense as a second-home or retirement destination. Just look for a fire sale. You’ll see these from owners (usually foreigners) who bought pre-construction a few years back, and now can't afford to close. I’ve seen properties selling today for less than the owner contracted to pay three to four years ago for pre-construction… yet their units are now finished and ready to move into.”.”

Point is: There are ‘distress-sale’ opportunities out there if you know where to look.

In the 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package, we’ll tell you exactly where to look to find the best real estate bargains.

Prefer to live outside Panama City? That’s where the real values can be found. Like:

A pretty two-bedroom home on a pine-studded lot of nearly 1/3 acre in the cool mountain town of Cerro Azul, just 30 minutes from Panama City. It has a large covered terrace and barbecue area. Price? An unbelievably low $79,000.

In Boquete, the boutique mountain town in the Chiriqui province that’s become somewhat of an expat enclave (although it certainly retains its Panamanian flavor) you can buy a 1,000-sq.-ft. three-bedroom A-frame home on a large lot, just a few minutes from the heart of the village for just $85,000. It has beautiful pine floors and paneling and is equipped with cable TV, Internet, phone, washer/dryer and completely furnished. A slightly smaller version of this home can be had in the same neighborhood for just $75,000!

Beach living more your style? You, too, will be happy in Panama:

On Istmito Beach on the Island of Bocas del Toro, there’s a fully furnished one-bedroom condo right smack on the water. It has a big balcony with jaw-dropping views of the Caribbean. Price: just $85,000. And condo fees are just $50/month!

On the Pacific side, in classy Gorgona, a brand-new three-bedroom, two-bath apartment with a full view of the ocean and the swimming pool is offered for just $139,000. It, too, is fully furnished, including appliances.

In the 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package, you’ll hear from all our Panama experts…attorneys, doctors, insurance professionals, construction and real estate experts…who can help you better understand the many benefits and options Panama offers. And who can tell you where to go to find the best quality, the best deals and values…on everything from real estate to moving companies to doctors, spas, restaurants, and more.

You’ll also hear first-hand from others who’ve done what you’re contemplating… expats like Barbara Dove, Stephen Johnson and Jon Nickel. Smart people. They say that the decision to move to Panama was one of the best they’ve ever made.

You see, despite what’s going on in the rest of the world, Panama’s economy is steadily chugging along, growing almost 7% in 2010.

In fact, while many Latin American economies have been in recession in recent years, Panama's economy has grown. Popular President Ricardo Martinelli (whose administration has backed many future-forward infrastructure improvements) says 2011 will be Panama’s best year yet.

“Panama will have one of the most dynamic economies in Latin America, with a growth of 8 to 9%," he said. That’s largely thanks to that Modern Wonder of the World called the Panama Canal.

I’m sure you’ve heard of the Panama Canal expansion project – just one of several mega-projects expected to fuel Panama’s economy in the years to come and just one of many reasons the Latin Business Chronicle ranked Panama the number one “growth champion” in the region in its 2010–2015 GDP growth forecast.

Not bad for a ‘Third World’ country, huh? Well, believe me, Panama is hardly Third World these days… For instance:

Panama is more modern than any other Central American country. You can stay at a rainforest resort or an island hostel and still enjoy the same high-speed Internet that you would in Panama City.

From the expanding international airport at Tocumen, also known as the Hub of the Americas, you can travel anywhere in the world…often on a direct flight.

New cars of every make and model safely travel perfectly paved roads and highways…the country is small, so you can easily drive from the city to the rural, interior areas, including those gorgeous cool mountains, in just a few hours. See the sun come up over the Caribbean and go down over the Pacific all in one day!

With historically low inflation, one of the world’s biggest banking sectors, and the business-friendly “go get ‘em” attitude of President Martinelli, Panama offers a combination of benefits that no other Central American country can match.

So let’s talk affordability…

I’ve already touched on the low costs of buying real estate in Panama. But what about the low cost of living here? Many expats here report that they’re living very well on budgets as low as $1200 per month…including rent! On a budget of just a little bit more…say $2,000 per month…you can live very, very well.

Here’s a typical monthly budget, based on calculations for two people living in a mid-range, two-bedroom apartment in Panama City:

Housing (rental or mortgage plus maintenance):

$600 to $1,000

Electricity:

$70 to $175

Gas:

$0 to $20

Water and trash collection:

$12 to $25

Transportation (taxi):

$130 to $170

OR Maintenance/fuel for one car:

$100 to $250

Phone (land line, local calls):

$7 to $25

Phone (cell phone):

$20 to $70

Cable television:

$20 to $55
Internet:

$20 to $35

Total:

$979 to $1825

Note that this sample budget doesn’t include groceries or entertainment, but a good rule of thumb is to budget about half of what you spend at home. We’ve listed a range for some other costs, because these depend on your habits and consumption. And, of course, if you pay outright for your home you won’t have any housing costs.

You can see how affordable it is to live in happening, cosmopolitan Panama City. Choose to live outside the city…in a pretty little beach town or even in a mountain town like Boquete and your monthly expenses will be considerably less…up to 40% - 50% less, in fact.

Yes, in Panama even the lowest budget affords a very good lifestyle. You’ll enjoy guilt-free conspicuous consumption at laughably low prices. For instance, splurge on a day of beauty at a great spa ($10), pay a maid to clean your house ($15 a day). A complete blood workup at that gleaming new Hospital Punta Pacifica I mentioned earlier (affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International) is $36. A checkup with a physician at this state-of-the-art hospital is $50. At other excellent clinics, like Hospital America you’ll pay just $25.) And remember, retirees on the Pensionado Program are entitled to sizeable discounts!

What about health insurance? Retirees who were paying roughly $1,200 a month in the U.S. for health insurance say that in Panama, they pay, on average, $800 a year for coverage. That’s a substantial savings…and it’s easy to see how living in Panama can contribute to your quality of life.

You’ll save, too, on the little things that matter the most, but can add up.

Imagine…sitting at a sidewalk café and enjoying a cup of premium Panamanian coffee, fragrant and hot, for just $1. (True, at $2.00 per pound, you can make the coffee at home for pennies. But this way, you can enjoy watching the locals bustle by as you soak up the sunshine and enjoy the tropical breeze.)

Pamper Yourself –

You Deserve It

In Panama, a day of beauty at a great spa is just $10. You can hire a maid to clean you house for $15 a day. A checkup with a physician is just $25. A healthy, three-course executive lunch can be had just about anywhere for under $4.

A taxi anywhere in town is only a dollar or two. In any of Panama’s modern supermarkets you can buy several bags full of juicy tropical fruits and fresh vegetables for “locally grown” prices…just a couple of bucks. At any of the many ocean-side restaurants, you can enjoy a cold beer for $2. A healthy, three-course executive lunch can be had just about anywhere for under $4.

As expat Stephen Johnson says, he and Linda can afford to go out with new friends every day of the week if they want. An evening of fish tacos and endless margaritas costs just $20!

Now that they’re retired, he says, "We not only have more time, but apparently we have more money."

More time and more money to spend as you like…no taxes, no inflated prices, no more worries about outliving your retirement nest egg.

Are you ready to learn more about all that Panama has to offer?

In the 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package, we'll tell you exactly how to live this laid-back luxurious lifestyle…no matter how small your budget.

If you want to salvage your retirement dreams, retire even earlier than you thought you could, or just live a more luxurious life than you ever thought possible—then there's no better opportunity to gain access to so much expertise…in one place, at the same time.

Whether You're Retiring or Buying a Second Home...or

Starting That New Life You've Always Dreamed Of...

The 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package Will Deliver

Exactly What You Need To Make It Happen

People are coming to Panama for various reasons. But believe me, we've got all the bases covered:

See first-hand how little it really costs to live in Panama. Not via some theoretical budget, but by meeting the people who are already doing it.

Know the markets, by learning all about the latest hot spots on the Panama real estate scene. Not from some agent's listing, but by hearing from the IL contacts who have traveled to see these areas first-hand.

Get in early on the newest emerging markets. Not by listening to salespeople, but by taking advantage of our market analysts' extensive experience.

Learn what it takes to start up a business. Not from a book, but from expats like you who have come down and done it themselves…and done it well.

Know the ropes with banks, corporations, trusts, all while learning to unlock the secrets of Panama's solid, renowned financial system. Hear it straight from the professionals who are guiding your fellow expats.

Learn how to finance your purchase in Panama, whether from a bank or from your own IRA. Expert—and certified—financial planners and banking specialists will be on hand to show you the way.

Get the whole picture, not just the fluff. Taxes, insurance, and visas are not the fun part of being an expat. But you need to know this part of the story before you take your next step in Panama. Our trusted professionals will deliver the information you need.

25 experts will ensure the 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package is giving you what you need.

Here are just a few of the people you’ll hear from in the 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package.

Margaret Summerfield

Keeping far ahead of the pack when it comes to real estate markets, Margaret and her business partner, Ronan McMahon, have been the guiding force that led International Living readers to the explosive opportunities of recent years in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Mexico, Brazil, and of course, Panama. As Managing Director of Pathfinder, Ltd., Margaret will give her analysis of the real estate market situation in Panama, identifying the current hot spots…and the future opportunities.

Jessica Ramesch

Jessica is International Living’s Panama editor. She lives and works full-time in Panama, of course, and spends most of her time scouring the country and writing articles for International Living readers seeking a new life abroad. She’ll share her first-hand knowledge that will get your own transition off to a smooth start.

Robert E. Bauman, JD

Bob Bauman is one of the world's leading authorities on offshore asset protection and privacy preservation. He is editor of the Sovereign Society's Offshore A-letter, and a highly respected author of a wide range of publications including The Complete Guide to Offshore Residency, Dual Citizenship and Second Passports, the Offshore Money Manual, and the Oxford Club's Wealth Protection Series.

Bob will give you the insider's picture of the offshore landscape as no one else can, and unlock the mysteries of Panama as the world's #1 financial haven.

Rainelda Mata-Kelly, legal counsel

When it comes to residency, tax law, corporations, trusts, banking, and real estate, there is no better authority in Panama.

Rainelda will bring you up to speed with the practical information you need to know if you're planning to retire, buy a property, or start up business. And if you're setting up offshore accounts, corporations, or trusts, hearing what Rainelda has to say is indispensable.

International Living Editor Dan Prescher will be your emcee for this event. He and his wife (and fellow IL editor) Suzan Haskins will be on hand to answer any questions you have about living abroad. Ten years ago, they left Omaha, Nebraska, for the warmer climes of Latin America and they haven’t looked back since. They’ve traveled all over the world in search of the best lifestyle opportunities and have themselves lived in Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, and yes, Panama.

And what's more, you'll get first-hand information on:

Panama's world-class health care,

Learning Spanish for enjoyment and business, by María Del Pilar

Financing real estate in Panama

Insurance needs, presented by Dorothy Sing of Alianza Insurance.

And much, much more…

Our seasoned professional experts will deliver the on-target information you need to get the real picture about living, buying or starting up a business in Panama.

To discover the real hidden Panama, you need to hear from people like yourself—those who have gone before you

In the 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package, you’ll hear from expats who have bought second homes, retired, or started up a business in Panama. Men and women who just a short time ago, were in the same position that you are today.

You'll hear from people like:

Stephen Johnson. I’ve already told you a bit about Steve and his wife, Linda Murdock. He’s a retired executive and she was an entrepreneur back home, but spends most of her free time now on a surfboard. They’ll tell you the unvarnished truth about life in Panama…the good, bad, and the not-so-good. “It’s always an adventure,” they say.

Albert Fine has been a retiree in Panama for the past six years and takes full advantage of the Pensionado Program and its many benefits. He'll share his experiences with you and give you the low down on what it's really like to retire in paradise…

And these successful expats are just the start. The 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package will give center stage to more expat speakers than ever before. This first-hand information is worth its weight in gold.

The 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package

Is a One-of-a-Kind Opportunity.

This Depth, Breadth, and Diversity of Lifestyles

Hasn't Been Seen Until Now

You'll hear about all sides of Panama. From the luxury waterfront lifestyle, to a comfortable and enjoyable way of life that you can manage on a social security check. From the lush green mountains, to the dazzling beaches, to a city life that's hard to beat anywhere.

Even if you've been to a previous conference in Panama, you'll find that the 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package will bring you up to speed on affordable lifestyles that you didn't know about before.

Think about it. If you had to gather this information on your own, you'd spend thousands of dollars, and months of your time to do it. After knocking on doors, searching the internet, sitting in lawyers' offices, and hanging out with real estate agents, it would still be impossible to assemble the body of knowledge that we've pulled together for this conference.

Frankly, the 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package is a good investment of time and money for anyone who's considering Panama…well worth every penny you'll pay to listen in.

But before you consider reserving your copy of the 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package, here's one more important thing to consider:

As part of this offer, when you reserve the 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package, we'll include our latest publications about Panama.

We’ve created a special report—Vibrant, Affordable, Cosmopolitan Panama: Property and Lifestyle Secrets for 2011—to deliver actionable details and real examples from the Panama property market and life in Panama…examples that support the varied lifestyle alternatives and budgets that I’ve just told you about. It's completely up to date and it concisely delivers no-nonsense information.

Why is this so important?

Because before you even listen to the 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package recordings, you'll have had a chance to study each of the geographic areas…along with property examples and budgets for different lifestyles.

Once you get the 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package, you'll know exactly where to focus your energies in order to make the most of it…you'll know which regions interest you, and what they cost.

Best of all, Vibrant, Affordable, Cosmopolitan Panama: Property and Lifestyle Secrets for 2011 will be rushed to you immediately when you reserve your copy of 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package.

This valuable report is only available to Live and Invest in Panama Seminar attendees and to you when you reserve your copy of the 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package. It will not be offered for individual sale.

For the Next 48 Hours Only: Reserve Your

2011 Fast-Track Panama Package

For the Lowest Price Possible…

The full price for this event is $1,095—but you can secure yourself a copy of the 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package for only $149…a mere fraction of what attendees paid to join us in Panama City.

But with this package, you'll have the distinct advantage over those attending the conference: You can listen to all of the presentations, even those held simultaneously.

And you can listen to them at your leisure…skip around to the presentations that interest you most, take notes… And more importantly, you can listen to them as many times as you like, so you don't miss a thing. Of course—you will miss out on the cocktails and getting a chance to rub elbows with the presenters.

But the important information, the secrets and briefings will all be captured in the 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package and we want to make it as accessible as possible for you.

That's why for the next 48 hours only, when you reserve your 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package, you'll save a whopping $200 off the regular price. Instead of $349, you'll pay just $149.

And to sweeten the deal, we're throwing in a $100 voucher toward the next International Living seminar. Use it to attend next year's live program (or any future conference or seminar you may be interested in).

I encourage you to act quickly. This offer is good for the next 48 hours only.

The discounted price includes:

Audio recordings of all our Panama experts’ presentations

Copies of all slideshows

A $100 voucher toward any of our future conferences anywhere, any time. There is no expiration date on this voucher!

Plus a special bonus report, titled: Vibrant, Affordable, Cosmopolitan Panama: Property and Lifestyle Secrets for 2011. (This report is only available to conference attendees and to you…when you order the 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package.)

If this information…these tips and secrets…don't work, you pay nothing

You have nothing to lose: You can call us at any time in the future—next month…next year…or next decade—and tell us the information didn't help you. (Or don't tell us anything. Just ask for your money back.) We'll give you back your $149. And your $100 voucher, good toward any future event, is still yours to keep.

Please don't delay. The 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package will only be available at this low, pre-conference price for the next 48 hours.

So if you're serious about tapping into the opportunities still available in the hidden, affordable Panama, I urge you to reserve your 2011 Fast Track Panama Package now.

Sincerely,




Jackie Flynn

Publisher, International Living

Reserve your 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package and

Lock-in Your Pre-Conference Savings Here

P.S. Remember—until midnight on Monday, April 18, you get $200 off the regular price of the 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package, plus a $100 voucher toward any of our next events or conferences. But this special deal is only available for the next 48 hours.

We're NOT going to continue selling the 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package at this low, pre-conference discounted price of $149 after midnight on April 18, 2011. This is the lowest price you’ll ever pay for this program.

Why not give it a try? The live event won’t be repeated again this year.

You've got nothing to lose. The risk is all ours.

So act now, while you can grab the lowest price possible for this package.

It'll deliver all the real-world information you need on the places in Panama where you can live better. Places where you can enjoy these benefits of "the good life" for significantly less than they'd cost you back home.

Grab your pre-conference savings now and reserve your 2011 Fast-Track Panama Package at a bargain price. (Offer expires at midnight on Monday, April 18th.)

David says this is a scam. What do u think?

I applied for a job near Richmond in May. I imagine I could get my state licence renewed. i haven't taken classes since 2004 though.

blog posting on my other accounts

Well I got the car back. Not having one for 9 days was eye opening.
I realized I can't rise my bike well any more make that at all.

The costs were nigh to 4.900.
I subbed a third grade class on the 11th and one boy not maliciously said I was old and decrepit.

I read a great book "I love you more".
I'm still trying to finish Freedom. but j Franzen,
For some reason I got the NY Times today not the SF paper. In some educator freebie I get the SF paper free on weekends, Fri, sat, and sun.
A lot of the time I can't keep up and it goes to recycling.

I went to the Farmers Market for the first time in a long while.
The apricots and cherries are here.
Asparagus is getting fat. I want a return to the pencil slim spears.

The spring peas are here too.

I applied for a technical writing job in WI.

I am purging papers from my office files and cleaning the garage.
I cut up a pineapple
Cooked some beets
Made some red potatoes with onion and garlic to go with egg's Florentine for breakfast.
Yesterday I made lemon ricotta pancakes and bread. Earlier I made some crepes.
a lot of wk.
I'm cleaning the kitchen. Last night I did 2 loads of laundry and 2 loads in the dishwasher.
one more to go.

http://morelimabeans.blogspot.com/