Jim B - expert pulpo cook

On our last beach weekend, Jim B tried something new on the grill - pulpo (octopus). Pulpo is really popular in Panama and excellent if bought fresh and cooked properly. We bought the pulpo at the seafood market in Panama City and took it out to our favorite beach spot, Las Sirenas. This was his first go, but the Jim's pulpo was really good. We expect to see it again in the grilling rotation.

golf pros

Jen and I are golf pros now, after 10 lessons with our cute, capable and Colombian pro Wilman. He insisted that we wear proper golf clothes, at least occasionally, which is the reason for the pink skirt, which I strangely like (little shorts underneath!)

El Valle

We spent a nice weekend enjyoying the cool weather of El Valle with John and Cindy. In addition to eating and drinking very well, we climbed (we think) Cerro Gaital. An easy stroll for everyone but Kellee, who was sore for three days.

Kellee with summer school students

Kellee went with the public affairs section to Penonome, where she gave a little talk to students taking an English immersion summer class. It was a fun diversion, and the kids loved the photos of Altoona-Midway homecoming!

RIP Jim's beach umbrella

Jim B's much loved beach umbrella finally broke for good the last time we went to Las Sirenas at Santa Clara beach for the weekend. He loved it so, and is missing it terribly.

New Years Eve

We spent New Year's Eve at Pangea -- a great time was had by all!

I am making an effort to document John's increasing love for Jim's head, here for all to see.

Christmas morning

We had a quiet Christmas in Panama. Jim got an original Panama Canal bond, and Kellee got a stocking and yet another promise that Jim will organize a Chiva party for her.