Category: Humor
-
My Gumbo Process
We’ve moved into a new home here in east Tennessee, and we finally have the house and my kitchen pretty much the way we want them. Even better, the neighborhood seems full of friendly people, all more or less in the same age brackets. They also like to have get-togethers. We enjoyed a Christmas party…
-
The Traveling Duo’s New Game Plan
The world of travel can be both exhilarating and challenging, especially for those who have made it a lifestyle choice like Jim and Rita. In their latest podcast episode, the couple reflects on the unexpected turns their journey has taken and how they’ve adapted to include health considerations and create a sustainable travel pattern. The…
-
Will I Get Gringo-ed?
—
by
Traveling as an expatriate can be a thrilling adventure filled with cultural experiences, stunning locations, and new friendships. Yet, one of the fears that often circulates among travelers—especially those in Latin American countries—is the notion of getting “gringoed.” This term refers to a perceived practice where locals overcharge or take advantage of tourists, particularly North…
-
A Story From Jim’s Senate Days and Holiday Cheer
The latest episode of “Travels with Jim and Rita” takes listeners on a captivating journey behind the scenes at the US Senate, unveiling the quirky and humorous side of life as a senior network technician. Jim Santos, our host, alongside his wife Rita, pauses their ongoing home renovation chaos to share a delightful holiday special filled with…
-
A Surprise Visit to Queretaro, Mexico
We were all set to leave Mexico after a week on the beach at Playa del Carmen and a month in the central hills at San Miguel de Allende. We had our Saturday pickup arranged to get us to the Queretaro Airport in plenty of time for our 11:10am flight to Dallas/Ft. Worth. We had…
-
A New Life and a New Perspective on Politics and Patriots
When Rita and Jim Santos sold their home in Knoxville and embarked on a nomadic lifestyle, they didn’t just leave behind the comforts of a familiar life; they stepped into a new realm of existence that reshaped their perspective on what it means to be American citizens living abroad. In our latest podcast episode, we delve…
-
Is It Safe to Visit Foreign Lands?
As the world becomes more interconnected, the idea of retiring abroad grows ever more enticing. Jim and Rita Santos, a couple who once took the leap to relocate to Ecuador and now plan to travel the world, share their journey on their latest podcast episode. It’s a tale that intertwines the excitement of new experiences with…
-
Time Marches On (Us)
As of the first of this month, March of 2023, I became part of a demographic that is difficult for me to comprehend. I am now officially on Medicare. That’s right, a little later this month I will reach my 65th birthday. It all seems a little surreal to me. I can’t possibly by 65…
-
Strip-Mining Classics for Profit
I just finished watching the most recent episode of the long-anticipated Wheel of Time on Amazon, and felt compelled to write about it. I also will get into another long-awaited series, Foundation on AppleTV. I suppose I should say “spoiler alert!” because I will mention some plot points without giving too much away, but in truth, the main issue…
-
Rising Up To Leaven
Inspired by our trip to San Francisco and the wonderful sourdough bread they have there, I decided to take advantage of our being home for the next few weeks to do something I’ve always meant to try – create my own sourdough starter. If you are not familiar with this, the starter is used instead…