Daun Slathar:  

So: what have I been up to since leaving Calumet? I graduated from Indiana University in '75. Moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where I taught science for a few years. Moved back to Indiana and taught in Crown Point for a few more years. Decided to make a career change and managed hospitals and health facilities for a while in the Bloomfield Hills area. The list goes on but ended up in Grand Rapids, Michigan where I worked for Grand Valley State University in administration. Changed careers again where I found a home in retail management. Now its time to retire so am prepping for a move to the great country of Panama where I purchased a home in the mountains a few years ago. Its about an hour and a half from Panama City and the canal and about a 40 minute drive to the Pacific and some great beaches. No wife, no kids, no ties to anyplace in particular so consider the world my play ground. I've traveled some and plan on doing a lot more of that. I've seen most of the Caribbean, Central America, a lot of the U.S., been to Canada,etc. North Africa ( Egypt, Israel, Turkey, etc., is on the bucket list as is anyplace in the Med.) Life has been good, along with some bad (loss of relatives) but can't think of much I'd change other than leaving Calumet Township a lot sooner than I did. I have to admit, Calumet was not a great place to grow through one's teen years but that's over so looking forward to whats in store with what is left in life. I am considering moving to Ecuador or maybe a med type of climate if I decide to not stay in Panama on a full time basis but can't imagine ever selling my casita there.( If you want to see what the area in Panama is like where the house is do a google search of "Altos del Maria, Panama". That will take you to multiple sites showing the area. ) Portugal or Spain sounds interesting. I've posted a number of pics in albums of Panama, family, friends, etc. so take a look if you would care to. One thing I've realized in life: There is a big world out there and its meant to be enjoyed and explored. I plan on doing both. Update as of 6-4-15: I am now officially a "retired person" so have the time to do some needed repairs on the house here in Michigan. After that its home and estate sale time, pack time and then a shipment of vehicles and personal/household items to Panama. No dates have been set and there won't be any-its do as I want, when I want and how I want with no deadlines......isn't that what retirement is supposed to be like? Hurray! (Update as of 8-24-15: I have now sold the car, 3 motorcycles and a few other antiques, etc., so am now down to 2 trucks and the Jeep Wrangler and one motorcycle. I'm finding it difficult to part with a lifetime collection of "toys" in preparation for my permanent move but have to do it. Slowly I am prepping to move permanently to Panama. Items I will take with me will have to fit into a 20' shipping container-anything larger will not fit on the mountainous and curvy roads in Altos del Maria). Update as of 10-18-15: I've had a new roof put on the house in Michigan with new windows and siding coming next week. A new fence was installed by myself and the next door neighbor today so repairs are moving along well. One more step to being out of here. Update as of 11-21-15: I have sent my fingerprints in to the FBI for a needed criminal background check for the Panamanian government. That is another step completed for my move to Panama..... Update as of 4-28-16. My FBI report and proof of financial responsibility has been sent to the Consulate of Panama in Washington, D.C. Once that paperwork arrives in Panama I will be going to Panama to finalize my pensionado visa for permanent residency there. Once that is done I can live wherever I prefer-Panama included and come and go as I please. (Update as of 5-23-16): Paperwork has arrived in Panama and I will be returning to Panama City ...Expand for more