Getting a Haircut

I long ago became most comfortable with an almost military-style haircut. Not the modern high-and-tight style, but the short-and-tapered on the sides, long-enough-to-comb on top style of the 60s. OK, call me old-fashioned, I guess I am. Maybe a little too old-fashioned. It's just about impossible to find a barber in Panama who can cut my hair the way I like it, so I do a lot of barber-shopping. There was a barber shop in Paitilla next door to the APO where I could get a fair approximation of a decent haircut, but the lovely young lady who worked thee left, so I had to start searching again. For a while, I was getting haircuts from a nice Chinese lady in Los Pueblos, but even though she did understand about my hair not touching my ears, she never did get the taper right. One of our neighbors is a hair stylist, and she will come to the house to give me a haircut, but I usually end up looking like a punk rocker when she's done. For a while I was going to a very nice unisex shop near Nora's old office, off Avenida Balboa, and getting fairly decent haircuts, but they weren't 3 times better ($12.60 vs $4.00) than the other shops, so I stopped going. One of my friends goes to an older barber near the Hotel Montreal, but on his last trip, he got cut twice, over the ears. I went to a new shop in Los Pueblos a couple of months ago and got a nice, almost military style haircut. Last week I went back, and alas, the barber who gave me the decent haircut was no longer there, and the new guy didn't have a clue.

Of course, what really ruins it for me is that every so often I go back to my old hometown of Hemphill, Texas and get a haircut from Charlie Craddock, who used to cut my hair in high school. Charlie hasn't lost his touch.

Computers

I understand why most Windows users don't want anything to do with Mac or Linux. There is  some essential software that is just not available for either. For example, my Linux OS doesn't have 'Defrag', 'anti-virus', or 'anti-spyware'. Even worse, I can't even buy Defrag or anti-spyware, though there are a few anti-virus programs that will scan Linux systems for Windows viruses. I guess that might come in handy if you have a mixed network.

So, how can a computer without those vital programs be good for anything? Good question, and as near as I can determine, I'm missing out on literally hours of weekly fun by not being able to
defrag my hard drive, scan for viruses and spyware, and making sure that my virus/spyware programs are up to date. Not to mention the fun of removing virus/spyware that eventually gets into all Windows computers. I've been using Linux for over 5 years and if it weren't for my Windows-using friends, I wouldn't even know how to remove a virus.

To make matters worse, in the area of productivity software, my Linux OS came with several office suites, graphics programs, email clients, and just tons of other software that don't come with Windows, so I've been denied the joy of spending hours at the computer store deciding which programs to buy to make my computer usable. Heck, I can't even steal software without a LOT of effort, because more than 99% of Linux software is free.

Of course, I could resolve a lot of my complaints about Linux by buying a Macintosh. There is LOTS of software for sale for Macs, but I like the idea of building my own box, and I don't really like the idea of paying for something that's almost as good as what I can get for free.

Now don't get me wrong. I love Microsoft. I think of it as my 'golden parachute'. If I ever find myself so desperately in need of money that I would go back to work, I can always knock down $50.00 an hour making broken Windows computers work again. The Linux and Mac repair guys are starving to death.

Getting Your Car Serviced

Nora owns a 2003 Honda Civic, and she religiously has it serviced according to the local dealer's recommendations. Last year the car developed a very slight ticking sound in the engine compartment and she notice a small loss of power. The mechanics said there was a bad packing in the exhaust system, so they ordered the part and many weeks later, the part arrived, they installed it and nothing changed. Seems the mechanic identified the wrong packing. To Bahia Motor's credit, they didn't charge her for installing the wrong part. A few weeks later, the car simply stopped running and she had it brought home on a platform wrecker. After she described the symptoms to me, I decided there was probably a problem with the fuel system, but before I could check it out, I had surgery. A couple of days ago, my friend and long time mechanic, Peter Wright, came over to check it out, and was able to get it started by pouring gasoline directly into the intake manifold. Then he removed the fuel pump from the gas tank and took it to be tested. It was OK. He had previouisly searched the car from one end to the other but was unable to find the fuel filter. Honda has it well hidden. He was able to purchase a new fuel filter, so we know there is one on the car. It should have been changed by the Agency at 40,000 kilometers. Anyway, that's where the repair job stands at the moment, and I'll give a brief report on its progress next week. In the meantime, if you live in the city and need a good, mechanic call Peter Wright, who speaks perfect English, knows what he's doing, and won't overcharge you. I do NOT mean he's dirt cheap, but he is good, and you should bear that in mind when hiring a professional. Call him at 6659-0137 and tell him I sent you. Oh, and one last thing. Be patient. Peter is very busy.

Recovery

I get better every day. I still have a way to go, but my strength is returning, and I've almost stopped taking anything for pain. Still have a bit of soreness in my chest, some back pain, and the two small fingers on my left hand are taking a long time to regain feeling, but they are noticeably better. It's still uncomfortable to sleep on my side, which is my favored sleeping position, so I'm still sleeping in my very comfortable vibrating recliner.

The Website

There are more new listings in the Real Estate section, including a nice house in El Valle..

Service and Assistance for Retirees Who Want to Live in Panama