Well, with all this talk of snow and cold weather, how about something completely different?

I'm still adjusting to our cold weather (20? at night but only a few patches of snow) - but it was also 89? in Panama City when I left.

My brother and I were in the country to scout out a possible retirement land purchase for he and his wife. I expected to go along for a warm weather get away but fell more in love with the country than I expected to. What I found was lovely healthy people who are hard working and open. A country very welcoming to retirees. A better state of satisfaction with government and better protections for the people than you can now find in the U.S - more freedom and more democracy as well. Also, in many ways a healthier economy with many many opportunities (being actively explored both by Panamanians and new residents).