She likes it!

OK, Nikki’s back in town . . . and with both of us feeling fear and intrepidation . . . we drove from the David airport to the house we have been building (seemingly forever!) in Palmira. And as we drove up the driveway Nikki got her first look at what’s happened over the three months she’s been gone.

And she likes it! Wheew!

So here’s a progress report . . .

16 months and counting . . . The house was supposed to be finished in November 2007, according to the builder . . . and here we are . . . at least a month out still!

Karen wrote,

Reading your blog is very interesting, loved your pictures too! Your perspective makes me excited to live in Panama. My husband and I recently bought property in Boca Chica with a beautiful view of Playa Hermosa Bay. Your band across the top is very familiar to us. We are starting to think about building (we are still in the States and will be for a few more years). Do you have any recommendations, suggestions, tips for well drillers, architects/ designers, contractors? Thank you.

My response was, “Yes Karen, I do! And it is a good subject for a blog, which I will work on . . . but at the moment I am up to my gluts in challenges with what the architect has done (or hasn’t!!), the contractor . . . AND the well driller! Stay tuned for a complete report . . .”

So tune in for some thoughts . . . other than “Don’t, unless you’re nuts or get off on being a masochist!”

Meanwhile . . . The Plunge Continues

With the Euro hitting a new high against the dollar . . . my Carnival and RCCL stock worth half what it was . . . and

WASHINGTON – The U.S. economic downturn gained steam Tuesday, with a report of the highest inflation since the early 1980s, more bad news for banks and automakers and a suggestion by the Federal Reserve chief that worse days are ahead.

President Bush sought to bolster confidence by declaring that the financial system was “basically sound,” but he conceded: “It’s been a difficult time for many American families.”

The Labor Department said wholesale inflation, driven by skyrocketing gas and food costs, rose by 9.2 percent for the 12 months ending in June — the fastest pace since the summer of 1981, during another energy crunch.

Downturn gains steam as inflation roars ahead

But not to fear because whether you realize it or not, we’re better off, at least according to Mc Cain.