Greetings from Panama City, Panama. It's been a few days since I left DC for my birthday trip - which coincidently (not) coincided with the upcoming inauguration of "He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named-But-Is-The-Color-Of-Flaming-Hot-Cheetos."

Call me crazy, but I am a little bummed about missing the first snow of 2025. I won't miss it so much that I will skip a Catamaran excursion to Tobago island, but DC, covered in snow, is a sight to behold. Teddy and I used to cuddle under our favorite blanket, look out the window, and be amazed at the quiet calmness of it all. God, I miss my dog.

Like many people, I find myself at a crossroads, seriously questioning how or, more specifically, where I want to spend the next four years. There comes a certain point in one's life (in my case, 40++ something) where you realize that life is too short to be anxious, vilified, and marginalized. America is heading politically and philosophically somewhere I do not want to be. I want to feel safe. I want my friends to be safe, and I want people who have fought the good fight for their rights and the rights of others to feel safe. I want goodness, truth, and decency to be the standard of our elected officials, not the morality lacking current cadre of Marvel-looking supervillains. I know I am not alone in avoiding the news. There is only so much one can take.

That's not to say that I have officially thrown in the towel on the United States of America. I have a return ticket afterall and plants that need watering. Still, I am open to new opportunities and experiences locally, nationally, or abroad that align with my value system while reminding me there is still good in the world.

I have no clue where this journey will lead me, but I have opened my mind, heart, and passport to the possibilities. I'm reaching out to my readers because I value your insights and experiences. Do you have a suggestion, offer, or advice? If so, please drop me a line; I would love to hear it.

In the meantime, here are some photos from Casco Viejo. Enjoy!