Back to the warmth

JR and Marty on Christmas Day

Jon cooked a delicious French classic, Boeff Bourguinon (Sp?)

Over Christmas we were happy to take a trip back to Canada where we were entertained with

warmth and love. There were so many people we

wanted to see, but two weeks just isn't enough time. Hopefully some of those friends may come our way.

It was really wonderful to visit everybody the last few weeks but it is good to be home! Our family and friends fed us royally and we returned home like two plump turkeys. Speaking of turkeys, family and friends cooked us beautiful meals, carefully and considerately avoiding turkey, which they feared we would have tired of. Unfortunately we hadn't had any, so we asked Chris's sister Marty if we could please, please, please have a turkey, which she graciously cooked for us... what a delicious treat that was too.

Homeward bound, we arrived at the Toronto airport early and procedures in the airports had changed again but were easier then when we went to Canada, (not three pat downs before getting on the plane). Chris was beeping a lot but finally cleared. The flight went well and we picked up our rental car and were in the hotel dining room by 9:30pm. Up at 7:30 am for a hot tub by the pool and breakfast, we waited for the rush hour traffic to pass. Getting through Panama City is not so stressful anymore as Chris doesn't need maps or directions to get us through. That's a big relief. The temperature swing we experienced on our return went from -11 to +29....a big difference and another big relief.

Chris and I arrived at Mail Boxes Etc. in Coronado by 10:30am for immigration pictures and paperwork to be scanned and faxed to the lawyer. Home by noon, the dogs were fine, though Maggie had her recurring broken nail. We got it fixed by the vet quickly....it had to be removed, as it was very painful. She has to be on anti-biotics and pain meds for 8 days. After that bit of drama we lunched at one of our favorite restaurants, Don Chacho and then back home to unpack, relax and visit with the neighbors. I caught the hockey game on TSN.ca...WOW.

Thursday found us in Coronado again to pick up mail, set up bank accounts, have lunch and do our grocery shopping. I think we are setting some kind of record as we have successfully opened our bank accounts in under a month. By Panamian standards, that is lightening speed, many people spend several months achieving that. I think it really helped to have our references already in hand, duly notarized and apostled by the Panamanian embassy in Canada. Our lawyer had advised us to do all this ahead, which others may have to do when they get here. Bless Mario.

Tomorrow, we have to visit friends and hit the beach! Thinking of you.

Bob and Chris

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