August rolls around

August has now rolled around and we find ourselves living out of the trunk of the car, in hotels and with family and friends. This really isn't too bad as we know that it is only for a couple more weeks. Danny leaves for Colombia on the 17th and I don't have a date yet, but it will no doubt, be shortly after that.

Our travels, since we arrived back in the US from our Panama Peace Corps service has been one of a lot of traveling. Since the last posting we have visited Alf & Stacey in Tulsa, OK where we passed the 4th of July weekend in much needed relaxation and visiting. From there we traveled out to Yuma, AZ to visit friends, Joe & Fay. It was wonderful to see them again and we felt like we were "coming home." Most of our friend had already departed for the summer months but still, was fun. We hope to be back in the new year.

Next we headed across country again. This time we were headed for St Louis, MO

where we attended a wonderful conference on TPRS

but more importantly, met back up with friends from Panama. It was so good to see them again. It is funny how our lives have branched out so much to include friends from around the world. These friends in Panama hold a special place in our hearts - we worked closely with them and they are part of our personal growth.

Last Wednesday found us winging our way up to Canada to visit my parents. Both are doing well and we were fortunately to visit with my sister, Lauri and her family, and my brothers, Dave, Keith and Allan and some of their families. What fun we had. Lots of talking, sharing of memories, ideas and even frustrations. Then some of us went to Ft. Edmonton Park. This is a living museum that shoes Edmonton as it has grown, and continues to grow, since the 1890's. A steam train to ride, an electric trolley to ride, and a midway for the kids plus the many exhibits that would take far longer to read about and visit than we had. There were Clydesdale horses, vehicles of all eras running about, ice cream floats and cones, even weddings from the different eras represented. Oh and don't forget those pesky mosquitoes! All in all, a great visit.

Now we are in Ft Worth again, having received the medical papers with appointments to follow.

Shopping to acquire some of the things that we will be needed for our next adventure and then, simply relaxing. And the heat continues. Car registered 111degreesF as we drove down the street today. Have to put up a sun-reflector in the windshield or else the steering well and gear shift aare too hot to touch and the seat too hot to sit on.

Friday we are going back to Longview and more appointments for the first of next week. Soon all should be finished and the necessary papers filed and mailed. Then the wait begins.

So til then, have a great summer and don't let this heat get you down ...

Stateside once more ...

It has been brought to my attention that I have not updated my publications as to our whereabouts and happenings. So ....

Danny and I were released from all medical issues on last Wednesday, June 22 with a couple of follow-ups issued for the USA. Thankfully all are fairly benign although we are still waiting to hear about the malaria prophylaxis that is required.

We boarded the flight out of Panama City with a final destination of Dallas, but through Miami. I was not thrilled about this itinerary as I anticipated problems with customs and our 7 bags plus carryon backpacks. An uneventful flight, and surprisingly, a quick and smart trip through customs. It took us longer to get through the screening than it did customs. Not a question asked, not a bag rifled, and a smiling agent who welcomed us back. hmmmmm were our names flagged as PC volunteers or has a new directive come through? No one will ever know except those "in the know."

Manhandling all the bags we made it over to the car rental and easily rented a car big enough to haul all the bags. We then headed off into the sunset, or rather with the sunset in our backs.

Longview the next day and the grands, son and DIH. What a pleasant way to start our re-entry into American culture. We are anticipating some culture shock, we just don't know to what extent or to what. Driving is a little nerve-racking as we haven't done it for so long and the traffic was ungodly due to rush hour. Choices are a bit overwhelming at times, but if you go in knowing what you want, it isn't too bad. Baseball is the order of the day as the youngest, Blake, is playing in the All Stars and did very well the time that we were there. Babysitting, lawn maintenance and basketball are the order of the day for Brooke, while her brother, Zach recoups from some minor surgery.

Sunday was the time for finding out if the car would run. We dusted off the cob-webs, and opened the hood. Aaaargh!!!!!! Cobwebs, dust, [shudder shudder] Danny connects the battery - yeeaaaahhhh it turns over and starts. What could be sweeter? Idle for awhile to get the charge up to speed and then shut it down. Cross your fingers - will it start again? Yes! We are up and going. Tomorrow we get it made roadworthy at the dealer and will be ready to head out.

At this time, we are in Ft. Worth, having returned the rental car, with the business of taxes and such to attend to. Also visiting with Danny's Aunts and friends. Everyone is busy and what is disconcerting is how everyone has aged somewhat. I would think that we have as well but don't seem to be aware of it as we see ourselves daily in the mirror.

Tomorrow morning, we are heading up to tulsa to visit Alf and Stacy and the boys. It has been a while and we are looking forward to spending a few days with them. Of course it is over the 4th weekend, so should be a fun time. Backyard BBQs and a pool for fun in the sun - which I am sure there will be lots of.

And there we are, it is what it is ...

Sunday finds us

We are at the start of a new beginning in many ways. Tomorrow we actually start our End of Service, or COS seminar. 3 days of learning how to exist outside of Peace Corps. But today, is for shopping and relaxing.

On Thursday, the 17th, we are once more expanding our horizons. We wing off to Spain where we will start our 13 day adventure. Here we will investigate whether or not we want to live for awhile in Spain and use it for a jump-off point to explore the rest of Europe and Middle Europe.

Can we ... should we ...

Shirley
Peace Corps Panama, 2009-2011
Peace Corps Suriname, 2007

Sent from my iPad, with my two fingers.

still there ...

We are still in Panama with the Peace Corps. Yes we have made it almost to the end of our two years of service. The time has gone by very fast and we feel very fortunate to have been given this opportunity. We have learned a lot, met so many wonderful people, and accomplished a lot. In fact, we have been so busy that I haven't had much time for blogging.

One of my favourite projects can be found at: http://travelinduo.net/VolcanQuilters

As always we are available through: http://travelinduo/blog

We are now counting down until our end of service and are simultaneously faced with a decision. Do we ...
-stay in Peace Corps and extend our service here in Panama?
-stay in Peace Corps and extend our service in another country?
-do we end our service and enter another phase of service with Peace Corps in the Response volunteer area?
-do we end our service and enter a non-volunteer phase of our life?

hmmmmmmm, the decisions! Return to hear about the decision that is made ......