Friday, December 30, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, fell asleep quickly, got up once at 4am, finally waking/getting up at 6:30.

Teresa is going to the beauty shop for her hair and nails and also has to go to the Notary so I’ll be having cereal for breakfast and be on my own for lunch.

As Teresa walked out the door at 8am I asked what time we’re going to be picked up tomorrow and she answered 5:30 or 6am. Yikes! She explained there is a problem with the road. That I already knew. She returned 8 minutes later because she forgot to take some medication with her.

I looked at the CS notice again and this time I saw that I forgot to sign the Withholding part of the page so I’ll need to scan it again.

I took a InDrive car to Daniel’s barbershop. I got my regular haircut plus the nose and ear hairs wax for 50mil plus a 5mil tip. I took a Didi to Todo Drogas where I bought my medications for the month for 185,604 pesos ($39). I walked to the paper store and found it closed.

I walked to a café and called Charles Turner and asked where he was. He said he was at El Salado but was headed back down. I asked if he could meet me in 20 minutes for coffee. I went to the bookstore where I exchanged paperbacks. Back at the café I ordered a café con leche and a pastry and Charles soon arrived. I asked why he didn’t answer my Whatsapp message and for some reason he said he didn’t see it. We’re going to meet again for coffee soon.

I walked back to the apt where I dropped off some things.

At 1:30 I walked to Otra Parte where I had this chicken roll for lunch

I walked to the Bancolombia window but the lady told me she didn’t have a scanner.

I went up the street to Los Porteños where I had a latte. I see that Alfamore just moved across the street

I returned to the apt in a few raindrops but nothing significant.

I understand Jeannie now knows about here mother’s medical condition.

I watched episode 5 of Shooter on Netflix.

Teresa texted me at 7:45 that she was going for something to eat with her niece.

We Teresa returned she informed me we will be picked up at exactly 8am tomorrow.

Today I got in 6,180 steps.

 

Fun pix

Thursday, December 29, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, fell asleep quickly, got up once 3:30, finally waking at 6am and getting up at 6:45.

I received my Social Security deposit with the 8.7% increase. Sweet!

I left the apt at 9am and walked to Parva. Jerry joined me about 10:30. We talked about a number of challenges we gringos have here in Colombia. He told me he uses a free TV service through Youtube and something about DBID and Troypoint.com. I’ll be exploring that further. He suggested I might be able to renew my driver’s license earlier than waiting until September, the month before it expires.

I left and just past Los Porteños I noticed that café Alfamore is closed permanently. No surprise as I seldom saw any customers there.

Teresa requested and I bought a kilo of papas criolla in Ara. A man came up to me and in English asked where I’m from. When I said, “Chicago” he said his brother lives there. His name is George (Jorge) and he lives in our apt complex.

Lunch was the last of our turkey as turkey vegetable soup.

I checked online and found this:

That gives me a little more flexibility.

Teresa asked me to deposit 180mil into a Bancolombia account so I guess we’re on again for New Year’s Eve in Guatape.

I walked to Envios Market where I picked up the box of Cora Lee English toffee Jeannie sent me for Christmas. I gifted a taste to all 5 people working there today.

Back at the apt Teresa was getting her massage.

I exchanged some things and left at 1:30 and walked to the mall. In Auros I had some chess notes printed, had my passport information page printed and scanned to my USB drive, and had my CS signature page scanned to my USB drive.

Upstairs I made a small ATM withdrawal and went to the Bancolombia consignacion machine. Unfortunately, it had this message on the screen

I wasn’t sure what they meant by “entregar” as my translator came up with “deliver” but that didn’t explain to me if it’s not taking cash or not returning cash. For the latter I thought they would use “devolucion” so I figured it won’t take cash.

I went downstairs and had a latte and glass of ice water in Urbania. When I turned the glass it looked like a hair on the side that I couldn’t fish out. When I looked further I saw it was a crack. I pointed it out to the waiter (una grieta) and he brought me a fresh glass of ice water. After ruminating over my problem a bit I decided I should go into the bank itself and make a deposit with a cashier. I paid my bill and went upstairs to the bank. When the young lady was helping me obtain my turn number I saw one of the options was for people with disabilities or over the age of 60. I told her I’m 77 and she gave me a special ticket. I asked her if this was faster and she just shrugged her shoulders. It turned out to be a 45-minute wait for a 2-minute transaction.

I bought a large box of MPs and half a dozen apples in Exito. Coming out I saw a young man wearing a Chicago Bears cap but he didn’t even speak English. My taxi driver did and I told him a couple jokes on my way back to the apt.

I see my pension deposits in USAA so all is good for the New Year.

For supper we ordered pizza from Gloria’s and the owner delivered it to the porteria and I went down and picked it up.

Jimmy texted me, “The doctors are stopping treatment on mom. Please don’t reach out to Jeannie about it yet because mom is supposed to tell her some time today, she’s getting back from seeing Jacob’s parents.” ☹ I recall when doctor’s stopped treatment on my mom’s cancer she only lived a couple more months.

Today I got in 6,790 steps.

 

Fun pix

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, fell asleep quickly, got up once during the night, finally waking at 6am and getting up at 7am.

Teresa informed me we’ll be having lunch out today, or “en la calle” as she says it. She says she has some clothes to exchange in Viva Envigado.

Teresa tells me it’s 450mil for one night at the hotel in Guatape. I told her I’m okay with that, especially considering it’s New Years Eve.

I met Marcos at Maca at 10am. He has a cousin (a hippie?) coming in for a month visit and he wants to meet my brother of coffee. He’s been watching Better Call Saul but doesn’t care for it very much so I recommended the 4-part series Inside Man. After coffee he invited me to go with him to Mayorista. We walked there and in Badia I bought 15 small (10-pack) boxes of Chamomile tea that were on sale.

We stopped in Mas Que Fresco where Marcos bought a medium red snapper and I bought a slightly smaller one for 40,330 pesos to surprise Teresa. Marcos stopped at a meat store to buy some ground beef. While waiting, a man came in with two buckets of fresh red strawberries. Another man bought a small bag for 5mil. I thought that was a pretty good deal so I asked for a 10,000 pesos bag. The other man said “ten thousand” and I replied, “I didn’t think he would understand that” and he chuckled. We stopped at the metro station where I added 50mil to my Civica card. We walked back to his apt and wished each other a Happy New Year.

I returned to the apt, very hot and tired; it’s only noon and I’ve already got 5,328 steps in for today.

Teresa called me at noon and I told her I was in the apt. I think we’re going to meet at La Bahia later for lunch.

Laura wants us to go to San Andres when she visits in February so she showed me a Hotel Casa Blanca for 3 nights for 3 people for $955 and I told her to book it.

Microsoft billed me $99.99 to renew my MS Office 365 subscription so I got online and cancelled it right away. If it doesn’t come off my banking statement by tomorrow I’ll contact USAA to decline the charge.

I walked to La Bahia and Teresa was finishing her lunch. She often has to eat something every 2 hours. She’s returning to the apt so I paid for her lunch and walked across the street to the mall.  Last chance to see the state of the Ikea construction for this year:

Upstairs I had the large BBQ sandwich (no fries) and a can of Coke. Charles Turner called me when I had a burger in one hand and my drin k in the other. I asked if I could call him back. Back downstairs I had a latte with a glass of ice water in Urbania. I called Charles and we chatted a bit. We’re going to try to meet for coffee next year. 😊

I made an ATM withdrawal with my USAA card then picked up milk, croutons and tomatoes in Exito before returning to the apt by taxi.

I received an email from Charles Schwab that there is a message for me in their Message Center. I found this:

Thank you for choosing Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. for your investment needs. We have received your Update Your Schwab One International Account application; however, there is additional information we need before we can process your request:

 

The passport we received has the machine - readable zone (MRZ) lines blocked. Unfortunately, we do need those lines to be visible to accept your proof of identification. Please submit a new clear photocopy of a current passport with all personal information (Name, date of birth, issue date and expiration of passport), with photo clearly visible; please be sure to provide the full spread of the top and bottom pages including the passport number and machine - readable zone (MRZ) lines.

 

Also on page 7 section 9, we are missing your signature and date. If you are a U.S. citizen, then please provide a page 7 of the application with your signature and date under Section 9. Or alternatively, please provide a form W9. I have provided the w9 form to this message if needed. 

 

Once you have gathered the required information, the documents may be faxed to 1-415-956-3212, sent by secure message using the Schwab.com Message Center, or mailed to Charles Schwab: International Operations, PO Box 982601, El Paso, TX 79998-9989, USA. Please remember to reference ID AM-20814836 when submitting documents or calling. 

 

We appreciate your business and we will process your request as soon as possible. Please contact us at (outside the U.S.) 1-415-667-8400 or (inside of U.S.) 1-877-686-1937 if you have any questions or concerns.

 

I have no idea what those MRZ lines are but I’ll try again. It’s hard to believe I didn’t sign the application. ☹ Not sure how I’m going to get it there. First, I guess I’ll see if Auros can fax it to them.

I understand we’re sharing a hotel room with 11 people in Guatape New Year’s Eve!?

It sounds like that trip is falling apart, something about the cabana has already been rented. Teresa is asking me about going to some restaurant but I think 3 days before the end of the year is a little late to be looking for reservations.

I’ve watched the first 3 episodes of Shooter (7.5). Interesting series but I loath their choice of background music.

I’ve made plans to meet for coffee with Jerry at Parva tomorrow at 10am.

Unable to uncouple myself from my GP in the States’ medical group, I received this email:

December 28, 2022

 

Dear Patients, Friends, and my Extended Families,

 

It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this letter. As many of you know, I have been out of the office for the last few months. Just before my absence, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of metastatic prostate cancer. This required an extensive surgical procedure, and down the road I will also need additional radiation therapy. Since this is now my second bout with cancer it has taken a toll on me both physically and mentally. To add to this, my parents are in their 90s and I recently had to admit my father into hospice care.

 

Given all that is going on, I have determined it would be in my best interest to retire. After being in practice for the last 37 years and knowing many of your for most or all of that time, I hope you can imagine how difficult this decision was to make. I have enjoyed being part of your lives through both the good and the difficult, and now it is time for me to focus on taking care of my family and working through my cancer therapy.

 

Though I am leaving, the doctors at Glen Medical: Dr. Ficho, Dr. Kulkarni, and Dr. Nikurs, will continue to do their best to integrate my patients into their practices. As of January 1st, my partners will take over. This includes responding to messages and managing refills. If you decide to stay with Glen Medical, there is nothing you need to do other than call the office and request to see one of the other doctors. You can be confident that you will continue to receive excellent care.

 

Thank you for all the positive messages, prayers, and phone calls you have sent me in the last few months. I hope you text or call me with updates on your families as I would love to stay in contact and hear how you are doing. I wish you the best of health in the future;

 

I will miss you all dearly.

 

From my heart,

Dr. Scott Meyer MD

 

Today I got in 8,968 steps, a new record for me.

 

Fun pix

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 11pm, fell asleep quickly, got up once during the night, finally waking/ getting up at 6:15.

I walked to the mall and met Jose at the entrance. He informed me that Habia Una Vez was closed for a private party. We went to Al Alma and I had a bowl of granola with Greek yogurt and strawberry and banana slices. It was good but more expensive than our usual breakfast.

Upstairs I had the White pieces in the first game and he blundered a rook on his 44^th move and resigned.

In the 2^nd game with the Black pieces he allowed me to fork his queen and bishop on my 16^th move and he resigned. It’s been a long time since I’ve won both games against him. As usual we reviewed both games before he left.

I went to Only Roastbeef where I had my usual medium combo of BBQ roast beef sandwich with fries and a Coke.

I went downstairs to Todo Fresa where I had a latte while reading more of my new chess book. I walked back to the apt and Teresa informed me her massage girl didn’t show for her appointment today.

Yesterday I taught Teresa the sequence to delete photos in her cellphone. Now she’s been doing that while complaining about all the photos (shoes, dresses, selfies) Laura has sent her this year.

At 4:15 a drizzle started but didn’t last long.

I was just looking at the spreadsheet for my USAA account and they haven’t charged me the 1% Foreign Transaction Fee since mid-November. 😊

My son sent me a $100 Amazon gift card for Christmas.

Teresa’s not sure we’re going to Guatape for New Year’s Eve. She’s afraid with all the noise from celebrating (4am? 5am?) I won’t be able to sleep.

My shoulder is much better. I can raise it without any discomfort although that’s still without lifting any weights. I’ll wait until next week before I ease that back in.

To summarize my health “procedures” the past few years:

·     April, 2019 my PSA was 3.26.

·     January, 2020 my PSA was 3.48.

·     September, 2020 my PSA was 6.57.

·     March, 2021 my PSA was 8.82.

·     April/May, 2021 my Prostate Biopsy ($165) was determined ($50) to be adenocarcinoma.

·     June 28, 2021, I had a Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy & Umbilical Hernia Repair ($4,341).

·     February 21, 2022, I had a Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair ($4,300).

That was all paid out of pocket. Each of the PSA tests were approximately $20. Previous to the above I had a Prostate Biopsy using my insurance here and the cost was approximately $5, although it took a few months to happen. Today I’m still recovering strength from the pandemic (no gym) and hernia repair surgery and still leaking from the latter.

 

Today I got in 4,784 steps.

 

Fun pix

Monday, December 26, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, fell asleep quickly, got up once during the night, finally waking/ getting up at 6:15.

Teresa wants to have breakfast later in Los Porteños.

Correction: After we have breakfast at Los Porteños, Teresa wants us to take a taxi directly to Las Americas where she can pick up her medicine then we will go across the street to Pricesmart. We should be back in time for lunch, right? Right? Ha Ha Ha.

I went ahead to Los Porteños and ordered breakfast for each of us. Teresa didn’t arrive until 15 minutes after the food arrived so her ham sandwich couldn’t have been that warm. It was her idea to walk to the other side of the block to Calle 31 where we quickly caught a taxi to Clinica Las Americas for 15mil. She spoke to someone on the first floor and they send us up to the 2^nd floor. We get in the elevator and Teresa pressed the button “-2”. I asked her if we really want to go to the 2^nd level parking garage and she quickly pressed the “2”. The 2^nd floor is the chemotherapy waiting room. She got a number “42” and about 45 minutes later she got to speak to someone. Then we waited another 90 minutes for someone to call her name and give her the medication. It was now 11:30 so we went next door to Arkadia mall. Crepes & Waffles didn’t open for another 30 minutes to Teresa went back to Le Visage where she got her lashes fixed. I understood they were under warranty LOL and she got them longer or thicker or something for no extra charge. When she came out we went into Crepes & Waffles where I had the curry chicken bread bowl and she had their Encanto Tropical. We each had a fresh juice for a total of 81,050 ($17). When she came out, she informed me she wanted to have her eyebrows done. She said it would only take 20 minutes but it was more like 40.

We walked across the street to Pricesmart. I had nothing on my list but I saw their Canada maple syrup and the expiration date is 2024 so I bought one to add to my pantry (closet). Sometimes they don’t have it and I didn’t want to take a chance in the future. Teresa found a number of things. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the turkey breast but they did have Butterball whole turkeys. Teresa wanted to buy one but I refused. After all, when she removes the skin and the fat (it’s healthier) what’s left isn’t that tasty. It was nice there wasn’t the usual huge line to checkout. The total came to 564,564 pesos and the cashier said they couldn’t charge it in pesos so the total was $125.62. The difference in currency exchange rate is from 4,759 in pesos to 4,494 in dollars. When we came out there were 2 huge dogs (Bernese Mountain Dogs?) tied up outside the entrance. Downstairs there was no wait for a taxi back to the apt and traffic was reasonable.

On Charles Schwab website I requested a Travel Notice for December 30^th to January 12^th.

Teresa talked to Esmeralda and we’re going to Chiclayo for dinner. They arrived about 7:30 and we walked to Chiclayo but there was a line. Teresa asked me what other place we could go to and I suggested Black Pepper although I know she doesn’t like steakhouses. I asked her to walk the 100’ and see if it was busy while is kept our place in line. She called me, I looked up and she waved me over. There were a lot of 4-tops available but most only had 2 chairs. I asked a passing waiter for a table for 4 and he pointed to a larger table downstairs. It took me some time to connect to their wifi, download and look at their menu but I ordered the St. Louis ribs

even though it said they were 1,200mg and for 100mil. The others shared their Grill Mix. 

I showed them the photo of Jacob proposing to Jeannie. I gifted Alejandro a Texas Instruments TI-83+ calculator. He googled it right away on his phone and saw prices of 700mil to 900mil. I told him it didn’t cost me that much since I ordered it directly from the States. We had a downpour while we were there but luckily it stopped before we left. The total bill was 200,382 pesos ($42) and the ribs were only 3 and the cost was like 40/50mil instead of 100.

We walked back to the apt complex and while we stood outside saying our goodbyes it started drizzling again. In the elevator Teresa told me how much he enjoyed the food and when can we return. It is so difficult for me to get her to try new restaurants, especially steakhouses. She reminded me she had a friend working at the restaurant and I reminded her that it was Barbacoa. I told her that they’ve also remodeled.

 I got to bed about 11pm.

Today I got in 5,082 steps.

 

Fun pix

Sunday, December 25, 2022

Merry Christmas!

Last night I went to bed at 12:30, fell asleep quickly, got up once at 8am, fell back asleep, finally getting up at 9:15.

Teresa asked me what’s open today and I said, “probably just the malls”.

Teresa had a long nap (2 hours?) after breakfast. After lunch I had my nap. I remember looking at my cellphone and it was 2:44. What seemed like a couple minutes later I heard a loud “boom” immediately followed by a downpour. Teresa came in the bedroom and told me we have no power. I guess that sound was a transformer blew. I looked at my cellphone and it was 3:30. The rain only lasted about half an hour and power came on an hour later.

My shoulder seems to be a little better today; hopefully it won’t take 2-3 months to heal completely.

Wow, I just watched a great 4-episode drama on Netflix titled Inside Man. It’s only rated 6.6 but how can that be when every episode is rated 7.1 – 7.3? Anyway, I thought it was great with lots of plot twists. If you watch it don’t miss the extra scene after the short credits.

7:45 the fireworks started.

The plan now is to go to Pricesmart tomorrow afternoon; something about Teresa meeting Catalina for some medication.

I don’t understand all of it but Teresa wants to spend New Years Eve in Guatape. Something about Ricardo having a cabana but we’ll stay in a hotel. She hasn’t given me the name of the hotel so I don’t how how that’s going to work without a reservation.

One of my readers just returned after some time. For him/her my brother is fine and visiting us in January, my son is fine and working at a Chicago high school, my daughter, who just got engaged, is fine and is finding success as a life/career coach, my prostate is gone for good and still no sign of cancer, I’m still recovering from my hernia surgery, and the finca is sold. Take care yourself and Happy New Year!

Today I got in only 133 steps because I didn’t go anywhere today.

 

Fun pix

Saturday, December 24, 2022

Tonight is Christmas Eve!

Last night I went to bed at 10, fell asleep (despite the music), got up once at 5am, couldn’t fall back asleep, finally getting up at 5:45.

My left shoulder is sore this morning so I most likely have a pinched nerve from last night’s dumbbell exercise. If it’s like last time it’ll take 2-3 months of inactivity to heal.

Just one photo to share from last night’s excitement. I understand Jacob had a professional photographer so there will be more photos in a couple weeks.

Well, the main goal yesterday as I understood it was to go to Pricesmart. That didn’t happen so I understand it has been rescheduled to Monday.

MT isn’t going to the party tonight so Teresa is going to spend the day with her. I need to figure out what to do for lunch, especially since it will be during today’s Bears game.

I left the apt at 9:30 and walked to the mall. I recycled a couple plastic bottles then looked for a Gente newspaper. No luck! I went up to Santa Leña where I had a latte and glass of ice water while reading my new chess book. I googled Only Roastbeef and came up with an address on Calle 9 (#39-17) in Poblado. I stopped at the Only Roastbeef on the 3^rd floor and asked if they have domicilios (delivery). He said, “yes”, and I asked if it was by Rappi. Again he said, “yes”, so I showed him the restaurant doesn’t appear on my Rappi app. I finally understood it doesn’t show up until they open at noon.

I went downstairs and ran into Teresa and MT at the entrance. Teresa invited me to join them but I reminded her I’ve got a game at 1pm. I went into Exito to buy milk and saw the longest checkout line I’ve ever seen. Nope, ain’t going to happen.

I walked to Mercado Madrid where I bought 2 bags of milk after waiting in a line of only 2 people. I paid 7,100 pesos and walked up the hill to our apt.

I watched the Chicago Bears lose to the Buffalo Bills 35-13 in -12-degree weather. There!

I left the apt at 4:15 with the main intention of buying a cake to take to the get together tonight. I checked Pepo’s Ocake online and it closes today at 5pm. I also checked Los Porteños, Parva, and Eduardo Madrid and they were all open until 6 or 7. I walked to La Buena Mesa and from a distance I could see they were all closed with notes on the door. I’m guessing the notes say they will reopen on Monday.

I returned to the apt. Teresa returned by 5:30 and “reminded” me we’re staying overnight there. That’s news to me. I’m sure if she had told me that would be something I would remember. I put one of my MPs in my bag and packed a few necessary pills in a small pill container.

Teresa got a call at 6:45 asking us to meet in the porteria. A taxi pulled up with MT and Adriana in the back seat. Teresa joined them while I got in the front. The driver took us north on the highway past Medellin’s Christmas lights (Illumbrados sp?) then some side streets to Calle 50. Then I asked Teresa if he knows the address we’re going to. I found it on my cellphone and did a pretty good job of telling him when to stay right, when to go straight and when to turn.

We met Catalina at the elevator as she was taking the dog out for a walk. We took the elevator up to the 15^th floor to Ricardo’s apt. They sat around and talked while I mainly played with my cellphone. Thank God I brought my battery case with me.

For supper Ricardo had some plastic takeout containers with rice in one quadrant, mashed potatoes in another and 2 pieces of pork taking up the bottom half. There was also a 2^nd smaller plastic container with salad and dressing. Also, a small bag with napkin and plastic knife and fork. Not the easiest way to eat and I’ve had tastier. 😊 Later they brought out a cake with strawberries so that was an improvement. We opened presents and I received a nice white Polo shirt.

We finally left about 11:30 with Ricardo, his dog, Adriana, MT, and Teresa stuffed in the back, and me in the front with Catalina driving. She dropped Adriana off first, then MT and then us. I got to bed at 12:30 with fireworks going on outside.

Today I got in 6,235 steps.

 

Joke of the Day

What do you call a bunch of chess players bragging about their games in a hotel lobby? Chess nuts boasting in an open foyer.

Friday, December 23, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10, took a while to fall asleep, got up once during the night, finally waking/getting up at 6:15.

About 9:30 I started the process of ordering a Didi. The app switched drivers on me twice but we finally ended up with a guy named Edgar. As we drove away from the apt complex, I heard his GPS say, “continue straight, then turn left”. I asked if he spoke English but he said “no, but he wants to learn”. He pointed to his cellphone and said, “El Terminator” but I didn’t know what he was referring to. A minute later he said, “Arnold”, I listened closer and the voice I heard giving directions was that of Arnold Schwarzenegger. 😊 The driver went some crazy way to Arkadia mall, I’m guessing because Aguacatala was closed or maybe there was an accident. At one early stop light Chris Cajoleas (the Tejo Gringo) said hello while passing us on his motorcycle. By the time we arrived at the mall all the stores were open so it was after 10am.

Teresa went into H&M but soon came out and declared everything was ugly. She checked out a couple more stores and finally had luck in Studio F. It took her some time to pick out clothes for her sister Adriana and her nieces Catalina and Daniela for 1,058,600 pesos ($222). It was now after 11:30 so we went up to the 4^th floor and got in line at Crepes & Waffles. They opened at noon and we got a table on their patio.

I had their chicken pita sandwich with fresh mango juice and Teresa’s instructions to the waitress took about 5 minutes. It looked like chicken on the side with a salad. 70,450 pesos ($15).

She wanted to buy Christmas bags for the presents even though I told her I thought I saw some in our bedroom. I think she replied something like you can never have too many. There was a long line in Dollar City. Teresa told me she wanted to get her eyelashes done so I told her to go get started and I’ll pay for the 6 Christmas bags. When I met her in the “eyelash place” she told me to come back in an hour and a half. I went to McDonald’s and ordered an Oreo McFlurry to help cool me down. Then I went down to Santa Leña where I ordered a latte and a glass of water. A waitress brought me the water but I never did receive the latte. Still, I needed the ice water more than the latte so I put 10mil in their tip box as I was leaving. Ninety minutes later I was back upstairs and she still wasn’t finished.

I had to wait another 30 minutes for them to finish with her. I think they glue the eyelashes in one lash at a time. Is that possible? Anyway, it was 190 mil ($40) and Teresa paid for it.

She stopped in a Bella Piel (beautiful skin) store and bought some SPF cream. That was the only purchase I made where they made the mistake of charging it in USD instead of COP. (The difference was probably something like $5).

We went down to the 2^nd sub-basement where we waited in a long line for a taxi. That’s when I told Teresa THE BIG NEWS: Jacob is going to propose to Jeannie tonight! He called me 2 weeks ago and asked for my blessing which I gave with one condition, that they not get married in the winter. 😊

The wait for the taxi was 80 minutes and it was another 40 minutes back to our apt.

Jeannie called me at 7:45 while Teresa was resting. She flashed a large diamond ring and it looked like they were in a limo so Jacob did good. (One step closer to finally being a grandfather?) I’m sure her mother will have a ball planning the wedding.

Mariachi music started at 8:45. I looked outside and couldn't see a band nor where the music was coming from but it was sure loud enough for everyone to hear. By the time I went to bed at 10pm the loudness hadn’t changed but the music sounded more Colombian.

Today I got in 4,612 steps.

 

Fun pix

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10, took a while to fall asleep, got up once at 4:15, took a while to fall back asleep, finally waking/getting up at 7:15.

I received an email from Charles Schwab that they received my international account application – actually yesterday. Their goal is to complete my request within 4 business days. So, this could be ready before the end of the year. 😊

Teresa informed me we are invited to Ricardo’s house for Christmas Eve so she wants to go to Pricesmart to buy a turkey breast, I guess for that get-together. I think we’re going tomorrow afternoon.

I met Marcos at Maca at 10am for coffee. He told me a ride to Parque Tayrona would leave you about 3 miles short of the beach so maybe we should strongly consider Playa Rodedero instead.

I made plans to meet Jerry at Parva at 2pm to deliver the jacket Teresa decorated for his wife.

I received an email from Express VPN that they will be automatically renewing my subscription for $99 on December 28^th. I really haven’t used it much so I logged into their website and turned off automatic renewal. If I need it for some special purpose in the future, I can set up a monthly subscription, do what needs to be done (Paypal? Schwab? Amazon?), then cancel it.

I met Jerry at Parva just after 2pm and presented him with the denim jacket Teresa decorated for his wife. He seemed pleased with how it looked. He told me of his experience visiting Santa Marta recently and gave me some advice mostly about El Centro, Parque de los Novios Centro, with its pedestrian walkway with cafes, shops, restaurants, and tours. He recommended an outdoor seafood restaurant named Donde Chucho Gourmet in downtown Santa Marta. I googled it and I think it’s address is Calle 19 #2-17. We’re going to get together again for coffee someday between Christmas and New Years to find out how his wife liked the jacket. Jerry left and I had another café con leche while reading my new chess book.

I keep getting reminders from Talk360 that my balance is nearing zero. I talked to my brother in Chicago until it was zero and I have no intention of replenishing it.

I finished watching the 6 episodes of Harry & Meghan (4.5). It’s a shame what the British tabloids put that couple through. Shame on them!

Today I got in 3,040 steps.

 

Fun pix

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10, got up once during the night, and was awakened at 4am by a cramp in my right calf. I easily worked it out by flattening my foot and then standing on it. I got up and took some Epsom salts and drank a little water. I went back to bed but couldn’t fall asleep. I got up at 4:30 took an allergy pill with some water and did some work on the computer. I went back to bed at 5:15, took a little while to fall asleep, finally waking/getting up at 8:40.

Besides getting up later than usual, breakfast was a little slow and by the time I stepped out of the shower it was 9:43.

I texted Marcos I would be late, like 10:15. (Problem is he usually arrives early and doesn’t bring his phone with him.) I usually wait 15 minutes for my hair to dry but by hustling I arrived at Maca 2 minutes before 10am. I waited about 15 minutes, didn’t hear from him so I had a latte while reading my new chess book, The Jobava London System.

At one point a young man sat at a table in front of me. Using my translator, I showed him, “Puedo ver tu trasero romperse. Tienes que subirte los pantalones o bajarte la camisa.” He mumbled something, stood up, pulled up his pants and pulled down his t-shirt. 😊

In Mercado Madrid I bought apples, tomatoes, lettuce, and milk before returning to the apt.

I entered into ChessBase 16 the root of a repertoire for my Jabava London System opening.

Later this afternoon Teresa is going to visit her brother James in Caldas.

I like literally a drop or two of lemon in my iced tea. I buy an imported lemon and for a week or so I’m good squeezing it into my tea. When it’s empty/dry I cut off small pieces of peel and drop it in. Working great so far!

My daughter texted me she sent me a box of Cora Lee toffee and it’s already arrived in Florida. I texted Nobraskja to let her know it’s coming.

I hadn’t heard from Marcos, and thinking he might be mad at me, I texted and asked him to reply somehow so I know he’s alive. He responded he and his gf got carried away with Hannukah and he forgot about our 10am meeting. We made plans to meet tomorrow morning.

I left at 3:30 and had a café con leche with a pastel de guayaba in Parva. I checked and they don’t close until 7pm. I considered going to Otra Parte for supper but I wasn’t hungry. It was a few minutes after 6 when I noticed it was getting dark outside. (I’m usually back at the apt before dark.) I left and took this video from the Calle 30 side of La Buena Mesa:

To my immediate left is Percimon, the yogurt place, at the end of the block on the left is Ganso y Castor, to the right is the side street with Los Porteños.

I watched episode 5 of Harry & Meghan, one to go.

Today I got in 3,113 steps.

 

Fun pix

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10, got up twice during the night, finally waking/getting up at 6:40.

I walked to the mall and met Jose at 8:05 who had already been there for 10 minutes. I had the breakfast special for 16,500 pesos ($3.50).

I had the White pieces for the first game and on his 16^th move he took a free pawn and threatened to capture my rook. On the next move I offered him my other rook, threatening checkmate. His king had to take it and then I checked him repeatedly until checkmating him on the 28th move. He said my 17^th move was a move a chess master would make. 😊

I had the Black pieces in the second game and we played an 84-move draw.

We finished at 2:15 and I ordered a Ropa Viejo personal-size sandwich from Q’Bano which gave me enough time to make a trip to the restroom. It was strange sitting in a stall and hearing a female voice talking in the next stall. I looked down and saw a small pair of feet. I’m guessing a mother had to make an emergency trip to the men’s restroom because her child had some potty emergency.

I walked back to the apt.

I watched another couple episodes of Harry & Meghan on Netflix.

Teresa had another 1-hour massage.

Today I got in 3,969 steps.

 

Fun pix

Monday, December 19, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 9:30, got up once during the night, finally waking/getting up at 5:30.

Teresa left at 8:30 to go to the notary and I was a couple minutes behind her on my way to Eduardo Madrid. I had a latte while solving more forced checkmates in my book. I was surprised how many people there were having sandwiches for breakfast.  About 10:30 it got a little crowded so I gave up my table, bought 2 poppy seed bagels and returned to the apt.

I called Charles Schwab and got my final questions answered regarding completing the International Account application. Tomorrow I’ll print out the utility bill that was emailed to me and by Wednesday I should have everything in the mail and they should receive it by next Monday.

Wow, what an afternoon!

Teresa called just before noon and suggested we have lunch at La Bahia from 12:30 to 1pm. (Hmm! I can get some steps in AND print my utility bill across the street at Auros.) I agreed and left just before 12:30 and walked to the restaurant. MT was there and we had the menu of the day for 15mil each (about $3.25). They left and I went across the street, took this photo of Ikea

and in line at Auros I sent the utility bill to their Whatsapp account. Only problem was it didn’t get sent, probably because I didn’t have an internet connection. I went inside to Urbania café where I saw I got connected and it was sent. I had a latte and glass of ice water and completed more forced checkmates from my chess book. I was surprised to hear Auld Lang Syne playing on their music system. I received a text from Nobraskja that they have a package for me. I replied I’ll try to get there this afternoon before their 6pm closing and I have 9-10 document pages I need to send to the US.

I left at 3pm and bought a bag of milk and a jar of decaf coffee in Exito. After paying I realized I hadn’t printed the utility bill. I got in a short line, they found it and printed it in black & white. I walked back to the apt noting it was 3:30 as I walked through the porteria.

As I gathered the documents together, I realized the Tigo/Une bill had my name but not my address, which is required. I hoped maybe Nobraskja could somehow find my address in the email. I walked to Ave Poblado where I found the street under repair from Smartfit to Otra Parte. I walked to the corner and was able to cross in heavy traffic at Otra Parte. I explained my problem to Nobraskja and she asked me to send the email to their address. I had her type in their email address on my cellphone but then she couldn’t find the email on her computer. I couldn’t get a wifi connection until she helped me connect to their wifi. While she was still looking, I saw it in my outbox not having been sent. It turned out she spelled Market as Marker. I sent it again with the correct spelling and she finally found it. She was able to expand it and print it with my address. Whew! I gave her the “cover page” with their address and she informed me they can’t send mail to a POB. I checked the rest of the sentence and they have an “overnight” address at their headquarters. We used that, I paid 120mil for the Fed-Ex envelope, 40mil for my book and she said it should be there by Wednesday. I returned to the apt and jumped into the shower to cool off.

I watched the 2^nd episode of the TV series Harry & Meghan on Netflix.

For supper I ordered chicken wings from Rocket Wings.

Today I got in 7,393 steps.

 

Fun pix

Sunday, December 18, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10, got up twice during the night (the last time I noticed a truck backed into Ara next door), finally waking/getting up just after 7am.

I watched Argentina defeat France for the World Cup title, then the Bears lose to the Philadelphia Eagles 20-15.

About 5pm we had a shower that lasted about 10 minutes.

I watched episode 1 of Harry & Meghan on Netflix.

I added more lines to my Scandinavian repertoire on ChessBase 16.

Teresa informed me we’re not meeting with Esmeralda and Alejandro tonight. I think I heard he went to see Avatar: The Way of Water (8.1).

Today I got in 35 steps because I didn’t go anywhere and when I walked inside I didn’t usually carry my phone with me.

 

Fun pix

Saturday, December 17, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10, got up once during the night, again at 4am (I saw lights on next door and a paint bucket just outside the doorway), 4:30 I got up and took another allergy pill (next door the bucket was missing and I heard a voice and soon an owl hooting), 5am gave up getting back to sleep (4 men outside and a Fridge King truck pulled up probably to unload cold items like milk).

I noticed a young man and woman outside in orange t-shirts. I fell asleep on the recliner for about an hour. When Teresa woke me, I went back to bed but with the celebration next door I couldn’t fall asleep.

I gave up and got up at 8:15 and took my shower. I left at 8:45 and ordered breakfast for both of us in Los Porteños. I realized I forgot to bring my cellphone. Drat! Teresa arrived 20 minutes later just before her food arrived. The Croatia vs Morocco World Cup match for 3^rd place started at 10am. I understand the Argentina vs France championship match will be tomorrow at 10am. She left to go to the notary then she’s going to the beauty shop so I will be on my own for lunch today.

On my way back to the apt I took a quick stroll through the new Ara market. It looked like a larger Tienda D1 but was very busy having a number of opening discounts. They don’t have our preferred brand of eggs but they do have our milk and Teresa’s arepas which might come in handy.

I left the apt at 10:45 and walked to the mall. I made an ATM withdrawal then waited in a short line to pay the epm utility bill. I went to Urbania café where I had a latte and a glass of water with ice. I spent some time going through one of my older books, 1500 Forced Mates.

For grins I checked The Weather Channel and found this

I went up to the 3^rd floor where I had the same roast beef sandwich, fries and Coke as yesterday but this time I had remembered to bring my portable scissors so I could open the ketchup packets.

I left the mall proper and saw a line for taxis and it was pouring rain. I went into Exito where I bought a large carton of eggs to carry with my right hand and a 6-pack of Coke for my left. Back outside the rain had lessened but the line was longer. I got behind a woman with a shopping cart that wasn’t even half full. The line was moving slow so I put the eggs on the floor with the Coke on top and shoved it with my foot whenever the line moved. The woman in front soon invited me to put things in her cart. (This is common on buses when someone is standing holding stuff a seated person will offer to hold their things.) I accepted and am glad I did because it was at least a 20-minute wait for my taxi.

My taxi driver hadn’t reset the meter but I guess it was broken and I simply gave him the usual 6mil before I got out.

I watched Atonement (7.8) on Netflix.

Tigo/Une texted me my new bill of 121,835 pesos for December and I have until January 7^th to pay it.

Teresa finally returned and left again to meet her sister and nieces at Olivia’s in La Buena Mesa. Again, I’m invited but since it’s all ladies I, as a man and especially a gringo, would be expected to pick up the check.

I watched the movie Mirage (7.4) on Netflix.

I watched a couple videos on Youtube about how to set up and use a chess repertoire on Chessbase then started the process of setting up one for the Scandinavian defense.

Today was the worst day I’ve had when it comes to leaking. This morning I had skipped doing my Kegel exercises because we were in a hurry to go to breakfast. I’m glad it happened because it tells me how important it is to do my Kegel exercises. And MAYBE if I start doing them three times a day instead of just twice I can finally beat this thing.

Today I got in 3,756 steps.

 

Fun pix

Friday, December 16, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10, got up once during the night, waking/getting up at 7am.

Teresa left at 8:15 to go to the Viva Envigado gym then to Caldas to take care of something connected with the finca so I’ll be on my own for breakfast and lunch.

I left at 8:30, took a Gente newspaper I found in the porteria and walked to the mall.

I had my usual breakfast at Habia Una Vez but the croissant and butter were hard and I had ordered a small café not large. ☹ It’s the little things that make a difference.

I made an ATM withdrawal then had a latte in Santa Leña. Teresa joined me for a few minutes then received a phone call and left for Caldas.

About 1pm I went upstairs and had a small BBQ beef sandwich with fries and a Coke in Only Roastbeef. It was very tasty, the only downside being when I asked for catsup, they gave me those little plastic packets; either I can’t open them or I make a mess doing it.

Anyway, I’ll be back and next time I’ll bring a pair of scissors and order the large sandwich.

I stopped in Home Center looking for a small length of extension cord with an on off switch. No luck, but I bought a 9-volt battery for 22,900 pesos ($4.75). Is that much more expensive than in the US?

I stopped in El Deportista and tried to open one of their smaller wooden box chess sets, just to have a look. A man came up and he couldn’t open it either. He went behind the desk to get something to pry it open while I tried unsuccessfully to open another. When he showed me the design of the wood pieces I wasn’t impressed.

I had another latte in Todo Fresa then went to Exito where I bought 2 bags of milk, half a dozen apples, and a package of hamburger buns. Outside was a medium sized line for taxis. Passing Ara they have a sign they will be opening tomorrow at 8am. When I informed Teresa she told me something about them giving profits to the poor.

I finished The Bourne Identity (7.9) on MTV, long on action, short on plot compared to the book.

Not only is there more traffic on our side street because of the Ave Poblado lane-closure but now there are long trucks backing into Ara and closing off most of one lane.

I invited Teresa to go for gelato in La Buena Mesa but she said it has too much fat compared to Percimon’s frozen Greek yogurt. She decided it was time to cook the turkey for supper. It’s obvious she doesn’t know how as she’s cutting off the skin and saying there’s too much fat. She informed me we’re out of eggs (I could have bought them today when I was in Exito) so we’re going to have breakfast tomorrow in Los Porteños then she has to go to the notaria (notary) to take care of something for the finca.

Today I got in 5,373 steps.

 

Fun pix