Mind-boggling New Location

 More travels, mind-boggling travels:

Yes, we are actually in Panama. Arriving here wasn't a piece of cake as they say but it was worth it. Left Tri-Cities (Pasco) on a late afternoon flight, that was about 5:30PM; arrived at Seattle at 6:30PM. Waited around for our next flight that took off on the way to Atlanta, Georgia about 10:30PM. Flew over night and arrived in Atlanta at 5:50 AM. I slept maybe an hour on that flight. Then on to Panama City without a lot of sleep. I must admit I was tired and sleepy from the many sleepy hours on the flight. By the time we arrived and began the trek to our hotel with others bound for the same conference we were headed to at the magnificent Hilton in downtown Panama City. 

Now we have been here for two days, attempting to overcome our travel fatigue while also attending many presentations focused on the good things about Panama and how and why we should live there. There are some reasons we shouldn't large birds circling, they look like the vultures we see all the time in Arizona but then we got to our room on the 23rd floor and the next morning for the first time we could look down  at them during the morning and see them from above. What a shame, they are so beautiful and glide so easily. I wish I could do the same, but seeing them from above is a  treat. Okay, there is so much more going on but I will be sharing on this blog again soon. Stay, tuned? 

Stan the Man 

 Mind Boggling Stuff

Number one mind-boggling is Katherine joining me on this blog. It's great to have her join with me even after she was a little resistant, saying she was no writer. My thought is that if you write, you are a writer, so she now is a writer. I have and will continue to appreciate her input and participation. She has a different perspective than me that is invaluable.

Number two mind-boggling is what Katherine brought up in her last post: Connections. I had many connections in Green Valley and Tucson that I don't want to lose and that I value. I don't know yet where we will end up but I will want to have easy access to those Southern Arizona communities because of my ties there. The Scribblers, writers group, the two exceptional writers at Canyon View are all people that are special to me and that I am missing already.

Number three mind-boggling is our current location we are staying at Katherine's brother's home. Earlier a family reunion took place. I have never really felt at ease, accepted by her family but this time it feels different. Maybe they changed or more likely I changed. Perhaps I am more accepting and more myself, this probably happens as we get older and it makes for better relationships, or as Katherine says, "connections," doesn't it?

One final mind-boggling thought. It's cold up here in the North, I lived here in Kennewick twice during my career. I didn't think it was so cold but after 10 years in Southern Arizona it certainly feels cold. I don't seem to ever get warm but, of course, I don't have the correct coat  and gloves that would be a bit of protection. This is the so-called Banana Belt of Washington State but its still winter. In the distance, jutting up 2500 feet from the flat landscape is Rattlesnake Mt. This morning it was white with new snow. The temperature hasn't been above the 50s since we've been here. I know, it's not below zero like Minnesota and places like that but it feels downright cold to us. I'm not sure I could live here again.

On to Panama, heat and humidity in two days. Sounds good to me. 

Stan the Man 

 

 Connections and Re-Connections

In our mind-boggling migrations from Green Valley, this time in a northerly direction, we leave behind good friends, including mi tres amigas. Whether by serendipity or divine intervention, these three ladies have become dear friends.  It all started with volunteer opportunities and weekly visits and morphed into friendships that will last a lifetime. Despite distance, these ladies and I still connect through texts, emails, snail mail and phone calls. And it's more than just a technological connections, it is the heart strings that are connected too.

We have felt that with our reconnection face to face with family here in Washington.  We have been far-flung for years and yet our gatherings are joyful and heartfelt.  We leave other friends here and there behind as well, and over many years continue to stay connected, looking forward to meeting up again to share and exchange the adventures and lives each of us is living. 

This week our migration will be to the south as we fly to Panama City, a new country I've never visited.  What mind-boggling connections and adventures await us... 

Till next time, 

Katherine 

 

 

More Mind-boggling Travels 

Our travels continue. Staying at the Sure-Stay Hotel on Van Buren in Phoenix for the free parking and shuttle to the airport. Order in Italian for dinner, a brief nap and up at 2AM, getting on the shuttle at 3AM. We were going early for our 6:15 flight to Seattle because of the problems with TSA staffing, the news said there were 3 to 4 hour waits to get through security. Of course when we arrived at the airport there was no wait, got through immediately but prior to that we had to ride the train and walk a mile because of remodeling at the airport. By the time we got to our gate we still had nearly two hours before boarding. That will be the last time I get up at 2AM, at least I hope.

After a 3.5 hour flight we arrived safely in Seattle where we would catch our flight to our destination at the Pasco, WA airport which is just across the Columbia River from our true destination, the home of Katherine's brother John and his wife in Kennewick. Katherine was born in this town which has probably tripled its size or more since she lived there. I also had lived here twice during my career. Also present upon our arrival was Katherine's other brother Dave and his wife and cousin Mike and his wife and another cousin Jan. Quite a family reunion!

Lots of catching up, conversation, sharing of memories has followed for the last couple of days. Great people and wonderful sharing. We are staying here for a few days before our big international trip to Panama. We are looking forward to that adventure but will continue to enjoy each other here until our departure.

Stan the Man 

 

  

 

 

 

More Mind-Bogglings

We are still living or at least visiting the city of Phoenix just off Indian School Road. Lots of traffic but we are far enough away from that main drag so we hear very little except the loud motorcycles that pass mostly at night. We were lucky enough to find a Sprouts grocery store within walking distance so that's convenient. In the same strip mall is a restaurant called the the Angry Crab. Initially I wasn't interested in eating there (I'm allergic to crab) but we decided to try it for lunch. What a feast. Most customers get crab by the pound, dumped on their table and are equipped with gloves and bibs. We didn't go that route, simply had an appetizer of shrimp, calamari and hush puppies followed by deep fried fish. Even that was a feast. I couldn't believe how much I ate which didn't look like near as much as the others were eating. It was delicious. Certainly a mind-boggling kind of place but I don't think I will return.

Another day we went to the Phoenix Zoo, I didn't even know there was one here. Large desert terrain for many animals but it was difficult to imagine a giraffe or a hippo living in that patch of desert. The most colorful were the parrots, I've always wanted one but settled for a painting. The temperature was in the 80s so many of the captured animals were in whatever spot of shade they could find and were napping, not much activity. Most of the activity came from the thousands of young humans that were there, nice to see youngsters running around. It was not cheap, I think the entrance fee was a mind-boggling $40 for an adult but Katherine asked about a senior rate and we got $10 off but with the lunch of chicken we had I guess the final spent was about $100. Too much for what we saw.

We now have three more days before we are out of here, a place I don't think I will remember with fondness. Next to the Tri-Cities in Washington State and a week later we fly to Panama. It will be good to arrive on foreign territory and to experience a different culture.

Stan the Man 

 

 

More Mind-boggling Change 

Yes, we continue to move on, as of last night we are in Phoenix, Arizona. It could be a culture shock but of course we have been here before so we were kind of ready for it. In fact we lived here for awhile quite a few years ago but since we left this city has grown from the 7th largest city in the U.S. to the 5th largest with a population of 1,673,164. Now that sounds big until you compare it to New York City where we also lived for a few years. NYC now has over 8 million inhabitants. But try comparing it to the last place we were, where we spent three weeks, Sonoita which has a population of 803. Each place has it's own culture, its own strengths and its own problems. 

Currently we have 10 days in Phoenix to see what its like living here, of course 10 days will only allow us to scratch the surface. We were planning on being here to meet up with Todd, my son and his wife Joy. They were going to be in Phoenix for major league baseball spring training, they're big fans of the Seattle Mariners. Unfortunately, their plans changed so they aren't here. However, we will be having a mini reunion with other family and friends.

I'm sure you can imagine the process of not knowing a huge city but yet needing to get somewhere specific. The traffic is terrible and it either crawls or accelerates to the point that its scary. We did find our apartment with little trouble. Another well equipped Air B&B with just about everything we need. I don't think we have lived in an apartment before. Without Katherine and her GPS we could have been lost for some time. We are in the area that is known as South Biltmore, hopefully we will get a chance to visit the Biltmore Resort and Spa.  

Until Next Time,

Stan the Man 

 

Preparing for More Change 

Yes, we have been stable for awhile but we are on the precipice of another mind-boggling change. I suspect what we write about here doesn't always seem mind-boggling to the reader but to us every change without having a home to return to seems to fall into that realm of mind-boggling. We pack-up, prepare to move on but its not to head home but instead to another set of unknowns, sometimes scary and sometimes exciting.But we are a couple days away from the next change which will be followed by other changes. For the days left here in a cottage on a Sonoita farm we will be getting ready for the next move.

It's been a good time here in this place and last Friday was a special day. Our good friends Jon and Sonja from Tucson came up and met us for lunch at Dos Cabezos one of the few restaurants in or around Sonoita. Like every establishment here they have wine tasting and wine by the glass along with delicious pizza and wonderful chocolate cake. It's a great place to visit for eating, drinking and meeting up. Locals and visitors seem to enjoy it, a very busy place.

As always, good conversation with Jon and Sonja. Jon is very curious about most everything. He asked what the name Sonoita comes from, I hadn't checked that but out came his phone and we learned it is believed that it means "land of many springs". That rings true since we have seen a number of springs that stand out here in the dry landscape. There is one on this farm we are staying on that feeds a small lake.

After a great lunch of pizza and conversation we headed out to the Historic Empire Ranch where we had an interesting hike under towering cottonwoods and amongst fallen members of the tree scape. The trees are able to grow there because of the creek that runs through the area but not now. It was bone dry. At any rate, a great day.

If you read the last post by Katherine you know we may be spending our summer at Crater Lake. We have been notified that we should know whether we are chosen by early March, coming up soon.

Next we will be back in Green Valley for a couple of days so I can get a shot in my eye for my Macular Degeneration "ouch" and to take care of several business things. Then off to Phoenix, Kennewick, WA and Panama.

Stan the Man 

  

 

 

Mind Boggling Development

 Mind Boggling Development

 Hello, this is Katherine, Stan the Man's wife.  He invited me to be a guest writer on his blog.  This week we dusted off our resumes and applied for volunteer positions at Crater Lake National Park in Southern Oregon, in the Cascade Range.  This summer season gig includes giving nature talks, guiding hikes, engaging with visitors at view points, and working in the gift shop.  We know it is a long shot, but why not?

If we do get hired, we will be in for a grand adventure in an amazing geological site.  The mind boggling development of the lake 7,700 years ago when the Mazama volcano erupted then collapsed into it's caldron, filling with snow and water. The lake is over 1900 feet deep and filled with crystal clear blue water.  

This crazy escapade will perhaps be another adventure!  We'll keep you posted.

Thanks for reading and following our ongoing travels.

 K.

 Mind-Boggling Change

It's our 13th day living in this little cottage in the middle of no-where. Well, it's not exactly in the middle of nowhere but to get here there is about two miles of dirt road off of the highway that runs from Sonoita downhill to I-10. That dirt road is literally a washboard. I can hear my teeth rattle as I drive it. There are several other structures here with other people living or working in them but we have little contact.

We have 10 more days in this spot and we move on. The name of the game for us is change. Years ago I trained employees how to deal with change. Now I'm getting a full dose. Everywhere we go is a change and we know it will be followed by another change. Big time change. I know the dangers of so much change; stress, depression, resistance and more. My wife Katherine and I have been together very happily for 33 years but it would be easy for us to get off track in our relationship with all this change but so far we are good. Communication is the key. Don't let resentments build because of the feeling of never being settled, not having our stuff etc. Above all we can't let little things grow until they become the proverbial elephant in the room. Self care is also important. We are learning as we go.

Traveling and change was easier in the past because we had our home to go home to but now with no stability it's more difficult to adjust. I like to think of us as residents of the Earth or maybe the Universe, those are our homes. We are finding it's not always easy but we enjoy feeling like we belong to those larger entities.

So change goes on even as we read, write, think, converse right here in Sonoita, AZ. 

Stan the Man 

 

 

Mind-Boggling Homelessness 

Yes, being homeless is a mind-boggling experience. Katherine and I have now carried that title since the 20th of January, not even a month but it is going well so far. No mortgage, no handyman needed to fix one thing or another, no home insurance, no landscaping to maintain and no utility bills or HOA fees. Of course there are new expenses, we are in our second Air B&B. These places aren't cheap but we will find new and cheaper ways to live in the near future, perhaps in another country. There are many countries that welcome American retirees and their cost of living is much less.

 

 There are some 770,000 homeless people in the United States. most caused by a lack of affordable housing, poverty and unemployment. We are not like those people, and we don't pretend to be. We attach that title to ourselves lightly and with no desire to diminish the situations the truly homeless find themselves in. We have resources that give us an advantage. We wish we knew how to help those individuals with their homelessness.

 

Another good side of being homeless is you can keep moving. This place we are now residing provides everything we need and more. Yes, it's kind of small and the queen bed is in what would be normally called the living room or family room, so is the comfy couch, the TV and other furniture.The kitchen is good size and well outfitted with adequate space for two or three to eat. Outside the front door is a large covered patio. It is quiet, so quiet you can hear yourself think. That wasn't true in Green Valley, there are no trucks, no freeway, It's quiet. 

 

The road in and out of here is gravel, well in some spots it's hard packed dirt but much of it is washboard meaning 10 miles an hour to traverse the two miles to the paved road and of course to get back in here. Our first day here we made that two mile trip out and drove the 50 miles or so to Sierra Vista, a pretty town of around 45,000 inhabitants with a fairly large military base and the men and woman of the army. The purpose of our trip was to visit the nearest Safeway and get provisions for a couple of weeks.

 

Then yesterday we took a drive of about 100 miles to a mind-boggling place. The rock formations of The Chiricahuas. Incredible rock formations, unique, I've never seen anything like them. If I could figure out how to put pictures on this blog I would share them but of course everything keeps changing and I have not been able to figure it out yet. Maybe next time.

 

Stan the Man 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 Mind-Bogglings:

Our house sold, we moved our personal things out, it was sold furnished and turn key.

We were declared homeless. 

First place we went was down the road to an Air B&B in Rio Rico which is very close to the border with Mexico. A casita way out in the desert, actually in open range country with cattle wandering by once in a while. The most incredible part of the place was the views. Right up against the Santa Rita mountains it felt as if we could reach out and touch the peaks but also with views of hills, mountains, valleys in all directions. The full moon visited us while there. The views could lead one to fully admire this part of the country, it could change your view of nature and much more.

After ten days in Rio Rico, we pull ourselves away and are on our way to the other side of those mountains, the wide spot in the road called Sonoita. It has a population of about 800 and most of the inhabitants are scattered around living on ranches or farms. Nearby is the small town of Elgin which is one of the centers of vineyards, wineries and wine tasting in Arizona. 

About half way to Sonoita we stop in the little town of Patagonia. We hike the Cemetery Trail, wondering why it's called that. The trail started out easy but soon greeted us with quite a climb, switchbacks and all. When we reached the top we were now aware why the trail had it's name; a large historical cemetery sits there on the top of the mountain, great views. After descending we had a delicious lunch at a cafe in the downtown. On to Sonoita!

Our new Air B&B where we will be for about 3 weeks lies four miles from "downtown" Sonoita, then two miles on a dirt road to a 20 acre farm with horse and sheep. We will be in a small cottage near the barn, nice facility. More about this location and our experiences here soon.

Stan the Man 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Mind-boggling trip with or without hearing.

 

Mind-bogglings don't always grab us and sometimes we don't even notice when something like that happens, that means something unexpected with unexpected results that impact us directly and we wonder, why did that happen to me? Well, Ive had one of those recently. Yes, it seems that we had everything going our way but then? 

Well I've been wearing the same hearing aids for about seven years, no problem, well okay, once I lost one but they were still under the warranty even though I lost it it was replaced with no cost to me.

But this time I'm not so lucky. One morning recently I was reaching for my hearing aids to re-install them but the second one, for the right ear was missing the little rubber thingy that sits into the ear was not there. I said, "oh no". It led to a long and thorough search of the place we are staying with no luck. I came to the solution that it had stayed in my ear and was still there. So off we went to an urgent  care center to get it extracted . I was nervous because how foolish would I feel if it wasn't in there. But it was, the nurse practitioner said after a few minutes of probing, I see it. I had to sign a form giving her permission to extract it which she did. Suddenly there it was, out of my ear.

But they discovered both the rubber thingy and a ball of wax were totally covering the ear drum. No wonder I've been having trouble hearing. There might have been infection in there also so now I'm on 10 ear antibiotic drops twice per day.  and have no hearing out of that right ear. I'm hoping this ordeal will be over soon. I have other stuff to deal with, like where will we go next. We are on a mind-boggling trip to who knows where.

Stan the Man 

 

 

Things  moved slow, negotiations, back and forth on our big deal, selling our house, and going homeless. Then suddenly it happened, primarily because of our flexibility and willingness to give up some money. Was it worth it? I can't really say at this point but if the freedom we are just beginning to feel is any indication of how we will feel, without question, it was worth it. We still didn't lose too much and we are able to move ahead. 

Move ahead? What does that mean? Well, we have big plans but not much is clear yet. We are taking it one step at a time. Our first step after signing the final paperwork, no actually, it was the day before the papers were signed and the money flowed in our direction we moved out of our house, former home and into the Green Valley Best Western Inn. Three days in one hotel was enough, but we had a few details to take care of. That was completed yesterday so as of last night and for the next week or so we are staying in a little rental out in the outback of a place called Rio Rico. Small but with great views of the surrounding mountains, an outside fireplace that we enjoyed last night and it got us about 30 miles or so closer to Mexico where we would like to spend some time eventually.

But first on to Sonoita, AZ for nearly a month, staying on a farm, and in the middle of a great wine growing area. We have plans beyond that which will be disclosed as soon as they are firmed up.Stay tuned in!

Stan the Man 

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Mind-Boggling Resolution

We appear to have a mind-boggling deal on the sale of our house and the closing is scheduled for January 20th. We went through a series of negotiations, back and forth, until the issues were resolved by us granting credit to the buyers for improvements to the roof and a couple other things. So, the bottom line is there is basically a reduction in the cash our buyers have to come up with and we don't have to worry about getting the work done. We are not happy about the bottom line to our net profit but a deal is nearly done. It is a mind-boggling accomplishment however and we are happy we will be free to travel, find other housing or whatever we decide to do. The feeling of freedom will be welcome when the deal is signed sealed and delivered.

When the sale is completed and this house belongs to someone else we will be embarking on new adventures that are not totally designed yet. We do know about two stays in Air Bed and Breakfasts in the Southern Arizona area for the first couple of months but after that we only have rough ideas. Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, Spain and mind-boggling places we haven't even thought of yet..

I invite you to follow us on our adventures right here on Mind-Bogglings. 

Stan the Man