Saturday, September 29, 2018

Last night I fell asleep quickly, got up once at 5am, catnapped after that and woke/got up at 7:30.

At my request Teresa made me oatmeal again for breakfast.

Teresa and I left the apt at 9am and quickly caught a taxi down the hill.  On the way Teresa and I kidded each other about getting a 1-year marriage contract and then we would just renew it every year.  Because I am familiar with the Laureles area I had the taxi driver take side streets and let us off by the little park across from Exito; this saved us having to cross the busy Avenida 80.  We walked around the corner to Notaria 31 and it was closed.  Their schedule included hours for Saturday but there were some additional words underneath that I interpreted as being something like “every other week”.  Teresa went to the store next door and talked to a lady and I understood “every 5 Saturdays”; not sure if it’s open “every 5 Saturdays” for closed “every 5 Saturdays”.

We walked across the street to the mall and Teresa and I stopped at Juan Valdez where we had coffee and shared a polito de queso (cheese finger) for 12,400.  Teresa went to check out the stores while I used their internet.

When she returned we decided to make a quick trip to Pricesmart.

We used one of the taxis outside the mall that usually take people back to their houses with their groceries.

At Pricesmart I once again didn’t find the frosted carrot cake I’ve been looking for, they didn’t have English muffins and the large bottles of Strawberry preserves now only come in a 2 pack.  Teresa did find a few things (including an unfrosted carrot cake) and we checked out for 180,000 pesos ($60).

We stopped in their food court and had their delicious BBQ chicken wings and sodas.  We got an order of 12 to take back for Laura.

We had to wait about 10 minutes for a taxi.  The driver spoke a little English and he complimented me on my Spanish.  We got a light drizzle on our way back to the apt.

In yesterday’s Gente newspaper there was an article about a march last week where they were protesting the removal of green space in order to make the Metro Plus; but they want the Metro Plus also.

I forgot to mention I spent over an hour yesterday chatting with reps from Philips trying to find an instruction manual in Spanish for MT’s Sonicare AirFloss Ultra.  I was finally successful and I copied it to my flashdrive.  After we returned to the apt today I printed out the manual at the local internet café and then bought milk and a 400ml Coke for tomorrow’s game at the corner store.

Laura left about 7pm in full makeup probably because she’s going dancing.

It was a cool evening so I wore a jacket in addition to my jeans and warmer t-shirt.  We left the apt about 7:30, met MT at her corner and quickly were in a taxi to Antica Pizza.  It was busy and we had to wait about 10 minutes for seats inside.

After we ordered I noticed there was a young gringo on the other side of me talking to a young woman in English.  He was from California and talked, among other things, about a bicycle accident he was in that resulted in a dislocated shoulder and broken arm.  The woman he was with could have been Colombian but her English seemed to be perfect.

After the pizza instead of catching a taxi right away we walked about 4 blocks towards home before MT got tired and then we caught a taxi.

Joke of the day

A 6 year old and a 4 year old are upstairs in their bedroom. 'You know what?' says the 6 year old. 'I think it's about time we started cussing. The 4 year old nods his head in approval.
The 6 year old continues, 'When we go downstairs for breakfast, I'm going to say something with hell and you say something with ass.' The 4 year old agrees with enthusiasm.
When the mother walks into the kitchen and asks the 6 year old what he wants for breakfast, he replies, 'Aw, hell, Mom, I guess I'll have some Cheerios.' WHACK! He flies out of his chair, tumbles across the kitchen floor, gets up, and runs upstairs crying his eyes out, with his mother in hot pursuit, slapping his rear with every step. His mom locks him in his room and shouts, 'You can stay there until I let you out!'
She then comes back downstairs, looks at the 4 year old and asks with a stern voice, 'And what do YOU want for breakfast, young man?'
‘I don't know’, he says, ‘but you can bet your ass it won't be Cheerios!'

Friday, September 28, 2018

I got up twice during the night, again at 6:15, and woke/got up at 7:45.  A large tour-type bus was parked outside the front of our building with its engine idling in high; it was very noise for the 15 minutes or so that it sat there blocking the street.

I watched the first 20 minutes of the Today show and headed for the gym.  I picked up Adn and Q’Hubo newspapers on the way but didn’t see a Gente.  At the gym I completed all my exercises in an hour and 55 minutes.  (I’m still a little uncertain about my hamstrings but at least there is no pain.)  On the way back to the apt I took a risk that I would find a Gente newspaper without going out of my way to Comfama.  The corner Gana store didn’t have them but I found stacks of them in Exito.

Laura left the apt at 12:45 to order and bring back Chinese food.  (Teresa had told me to give her some money because she’s going to buy rice.  Well, rice is very inexpensive plus I couldn’t believe we wouldn’t have some in the apt.  I have to press Teresa to tell me that she’s going for Chinese food not just rice.  Sigh!)

Among new US movie releases the only one I’m interested in is The Old Man & The Gun (7.0).

Locally, the only movie I might want to see is Johnny English (6.7) playing at Oviedo at 6:15.

For about 35,000 pesos ($12) Laura came back with 2 containers of Chinese food – chop suey with chicken and chicken rice with sweet & sour sauce on the side.

I received an email from Envios Market that I have a package waiting for pickup; probably MT’s floss.

Ana Maria finally arrived at 2pm and the first thing she said to me is “Have you found me a boyfriend?”  I pretended not to understand.  We all sat down and ate the Chinese food.

She brought shoes for the ladies to try on.  Also dresses and some jewelry.

I want to go to Envios Market to pick up MT’s package but right now the skies look a little threatening.

Teresa found a very colorful pair of walking shoes that she wanted for 15,000 pesos ($5) so I bought them for her.  I questioned all the colors but she said that’s the fashion right now.

Teresa asked me to bring her a slice of carrot cake and Laura wanted a cinnamon roll from Cinnabon.

Finally at 3:30 I left the apt and took a bus to Envios Market.  I picked up MT’s package for 2,800 pesos and paid the 39,000 pesos for October’s rent.

Outside I quickly caught a bus.  As we passed one of the newer building I thought I saw a Citibank office – at least I saw a red Citi sign.

I took the bus up to Starbucks.  As I was getting off I heard something fall and picked up what I thought was a nut (hardware kind) but it turned out to be a small watch battery.  I stuck it in my pocket and nobody said anything to me.  It was raining lightly just hard enough to get me to open my umbrella.

At Starbucks they didn’t have the Café Mocha Blanco that I usually order so I got a Vanilla Latte which turned out to be pretty good.  I also ordered a slice of carrot cake for myself and one to go all for a total of 23,700 pesos – pretty expensive by Colombian standards.

Most of the tables were taken so I got a seat facing a window.  I used their internet while eating my carrot cake and drinking my latte – which was pretty good by the way.  The rain had stopped by this time.

I walked the 2 blocks to Santafe mall where I bought a cinnamon roll for Laura for 5,000 pesos from Cinnabon.

Back outside and across the street I caught a bus that was standing room only.  As more people got off using the back door and more people got on using the front door I worked my way towards the back.  I had only one hand to hold the overhead railing since my other hand was holding my packages.  The driver didn’t help any with his hurky jerky driving.  At one point I looked down to check my step counter and saw that the top was missing.  Now I know what the battery was from.

I was standing over a young woman who was texting on her cellphone.  I was thinking that if she noticed me I would just say not to worry because I don’t understand Spanish.  About the time we were approaching Envigado she looked up and said “hello” in English.  I was taken aback and then I saw that it was Nobraska.  I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you from the top of your head.  Soon she got off at the new little park right where the bus starts its detour and I got off on our street.

I was back at the apt just before 6pm.

For dinner we finished the Chinese food.

Today’s Step Count was ???.

Joke of the day

My wonderful girlfriend and I had been dating for over a year, and so we decided to get married. There was only one little thing bothering me. It was her beautiful younger sister. My prospective sister-in-law was twenty-two, wore very tight miniskirts, and generally went braless.

One day 'little sister’ called and asked me to come over to check the wedding invitations.  She was alone when I arrived, and she whispered to me that she had feelings and desires for me that she couldn't overcome. She told me she wanted to make love to me just once before I got married and committed my life to her sister.

Well, I was in total shock, and couldn't say a word.  She said, 'I'm going upstairs to my bedroom, and if you want one last wild fling, just come up and get me.'

I was stunned and frozen in shock as I watched her go up the stairs. When she reached the top she pulled off her panties and threw them down the stairs at me.  I stood there for a moment, then turned and ran straight to the front door.  I opened the door, and headed straight towards my car.

Lo and behold, my entire future family was standing outside, all clapping!   With tears in his eyes, my future father-in-law hugged me and said, “We are very happy you passed our little test. We couldn't ask for a better man for our daughter. Welcome to the family”.

And the moral of the story is:  Always keep your condoms in your car.

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Last night it took me a little while to fall asleep (Coke? Coffee? Both?) then I got up twice during the night - I heard it raining both times.  I finally woke up at 6:15 and Teresa was already up, at 6:30 she came in and got 20,000 to give to Laura for – an interview?  I got up at 6:45 and Laura left the apt at 7am for what I guess was a job interview.  Teresa left 5 minutes later for a class at the gym.

I watched the 2-hour Today show covering the testimony of Christine Blasey Ford against Kevin Kavanaugh.

Teresa came back and reported that she talked to a lawyer in Notary 1 of Envigado and was told that a Union Libre won’t allow her to get a visa to the US.

I tried to discuss the issue with her and finally we called Jose Cruz and she talked to him for awhile.  When it was my turn we discussed it and decided that getting a Union Libre certainly wouldn’t hurt and might help her get a tourist visa when the time came.

Laura came back at 11:30.

Teresa called Notaria 31 in Laureles and it appears things have changed and now WE have to make arrangements for a Spanish/English translator!?  I asked her to call Notaria 1 and see if maybe they supply translators.  By this time it was noon and we were getting hungry so we ordered lunch from La Casita Parilla.

At 1pm it started raining and it soon was a downpour.  Maybe I could have predicted this since the high today is only supposed to be 79.

I understand Teresa wants to invite Ana Maria over today so I told Teresa why don’t we wait and go to the notary on Saturday?  She agreed.

The rain finally stopped just before 2pm.  It started again about 4:30 but it didn’t last long.

Laura told me she got a letter from a family asking her to be their au pair – in China.  She said she’d like to learn more about the Chinese culture but not the Chinese language and I agree.  They only want her for 6 months, though.  I told her to be careful with her correspondence because the longer it goes on the more likely they will believe she will be their au pair.

Teresa told me that since I’m going to be watching football game tonight she will go meet with her cousin Cecilia.

At 6pm it started raining again; after all this is the beginning of the 2^nd rainy season of the year.

Because of the rain Teresa decided not to leave the apt.

I made waffles for dinner; it’s been a long time since I last made them.

I watched the game between the Vikings and the Rams except from 8pm-9pm when Teresa watched her Yo Me Llamo program.  I was happy to see the Vikings lose although we’ll have to deal with the 4-0 Rams later in the year.

Today’s Step Count was 2,218.  (This should be a record low since I never ventured out of the apt all day.)

Joke of the day

A young couple took their six-year-old son to the doctor.  With some hesitation, they explained that although their little angel appeared to be in good health, they were concerned about his rather small penis.
After examining the child, the doctor confidently declared, 'Just feed him pancakes. That should solve the problem.'
The next morning when the boy arrived at breakfast, there was a large stack of hot pancakes in the middle of the table.
'Gee, Mom,' he exclaimed. 'Are these all for me?'
'Just take two,' she replied. 'The rest are for your father.’

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Last night I got up once during the night, again at 5:30, Teresa soon got up and I got up at 7am.

I found my blood results online and copied them to my flash drive to print out later.  Without comparing them to my previous results I can only say that they look encouraging.

I watched the first 20 minutes of the Today show and left for the gym.  During my exercises I ran into another gringo, although I don’t remember his name, and he introduced me to his Colombian wife.  I told them I’m getting married tomorrow.  I saw a man on a treadmill wearing a Jordan Bulls t-shirt.  I completed all my exercises in an hour and 55 minutes.  At the entrance/exit to the gym I took advantage of their scale and I weighed in at 78.1 kilos (170#) without my shoes.

On the way back through the park I saw workers stringing cables between the large poles that they will use to suspend Christmas lights.

I copied the information from my blog from March 5^th, 2015 when we last visited the notary for our Union Libre.  I cut & pasted it and translated it to Spanish for Teresa.  I’ll print it out later while she’s getting her massage.

While Teresa was sitting on the couch she noticed there is an apartment for rent in the building across and slightly up the street; it appears to be on the 9^th floor.  Teresa called right away and learned that it’s only 1,350,000 pesos but it’s only 2 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms.  I said if we can get rid of Laura (as an au pair in the US) we would only need 2 bedrooms.  Then I remembered all the things Teresa’s got in the 3^rd bedroom closet and … never mind.

We left the apt at 2:30 and took a taxi to Stella Duran.  On the way I pointed out the Ferris wheel and asked Teresa what they call it in Spanish.  She said Rueda de Chicago (Chicago’s Wheel) which makes sense since the first one was built for the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago.  She went in for her massage and I first stopped at a copy center and printed a copy of my blood test results and the notary information (Spanish version) from March 5^th, 2015.

I couldn’t get an internet connection at the White House Hostel so I just read my Nook book.

When Teresa returned we took a taxi to Oviedo.  We bought 2 preferred seating tickets to The Predator for 7,250 each and we still had 2 hours before showtime.  (I had recommended we go to an earlier showtime at Vizcaya at 4:55 but for some reason Teresa wanted to go to the 6:20 at Oviedo.)

We went next door to Todo Fresa where Teresa had what looked like a little spinach quiche with juice and I had a slice of apple & almond pie with café con leche for a total of 31,685.  We killed about an hour (I still had problems getting an internet connection) and then Teresa checked out a few stores.  Twenty minutes before showtime I made my last trip to the restroom and we bought a small popcorn, small soda (for her) and a medium soda (for me) for 18,100 pesos ($6).  The movie was so-so to good which is probably why it’s only rated 6.0.

After the movie we quickly caught a taxi back to the apt.

I compared my blood results to my previous results and, based on my non-medical degree, they do appear to be better so maybe my diet, the cholesterol medicine, or both has helped improve them.

Today’s Step Count was 9,001.

Joke of the day

The mother of a 17-year-old girl was concerned that her daughter was having sex.  Worried the girl might become pregnant she consulted the family doctor.
The doctor told her that teenagers today are very willful and any attempt to stop the girl would probably result in rebellion.  He then told her to arrange for her daughter to be put on birth control and until then talk to her and give her a box of condoms.
Later that evening, as her daughter was preparing for a date, the mother told her about her concern and handed her a box of condoms.
The girl burst out laughing and reached over to hug her mother and said: 'Oh Mom! You don't have to worry about that! I'm dating Susan!'

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Last I night I fell asleep quickly and didn’t wake up until 5am.  Soon after I returned from my trip to the bathroom Teresa got up.  I figured I wasn’t going to get back to sleep so I got up at 5:30.  (Teresa is taking her mother to the heart doctor again early this morning.)

I checked online and found that the Buccaneers (the Bears next opponent) made a comeback last night but came up short against the Steelers 30-27 so they are now 2-1.

I left the apt just before 7:30, had breakfast at Carbon de Leña and was back at the apt before 8:30.  I took my vitamins, changed into shorts and a sleeveless t-shirt and left the apt just at 9am.  (What’s strange is that I got a text message asking me for how I liked Carbon de Leña.  I remember the same thing happening after our visit to Mu last weekend.  Has someone been following me?)

I met Jose at the chess league at 10am.  First we both registered for the upcoming chess tournament for 65,000 pesos (about $22).  I had Black in our first game and he soon had an attack and I lost.  It was 12:15 so we went to lunch at Tropical where we both had the menu of the day for 10,500 pesos.  Back at the chess league I had White and I lost again.  Drat!

I walked as far as the Stadium station with him and we agreed to try to meet again next Tuesday.

I retraced my steps to the Envigado station where I bought a kilo of strawberries from a (different) guy on the walkway for 12mil.  He had a small scale and it read 1.96 pounds.  I told him there are 2.2 pounds to a kilo and he added some more strawberries.  (I knew the bag is usually so full that it is difficult to close.)  I let him get away with a little over 2 pounds so I could close the bag.

I got a table at Bartolos and I waited 30 minutes for someone to take my order for a coconut lemonade.  I hung around another 30 minutes using my cellphone.  At one point David, in passing, said “Nice to see you Terry”.

Back at the apt Teresa mentioned that her friend Ana Maria is coming for a visit on Thursday.  I asked her what time and she said “and what else do you have going on”?  I said I thought we would go to the notary and sign the Union Libre papers to make things official – we have been living together for almost exactly 4 years.  She agreed that we could probably take care of that in the morning.

Today’s Step Count was 9,688.

Joke of the day

JEWISH STAND UP COMEDY JOKES

Question: What's the difference between a Rottweiler and a Jewish mother?
Answer: Eventually, the Rottweiler lets go.

Monday, September 24, 2018

I got up twice during the night, woke up again at 6:30 when Teresa got up, fell back asleep then woke/got up at 7:45.

I watched the first 20 minutes of the Today show and then headed to the gym.  Charles was there and we briefed each other on our team’s wins – Seahawks for him and Bears for me.  He thought the New England Patriots won last night and I told him the Lions beat them and it wasn’t really close.  A few minutes later I found my keys in my pocket, realizing I had forgotten to leave my keys in my locker.  I went back inside and noticed one of the female Smartfit workers there – not sure if she’s one of the trainers or not.  Back outside I discussed that with Charles.  He asked me which trainer and she came up to us a minute later.  I asked him to ask her (his Spanish is better than mine) why she was in the men’s locker room.  She said she had to check on how something is organized.  I asked if I could go into the ladies locker room to check on how things are organized and she responded that she is the only one allowed to check.  I asked why they don’t have a man who checks.  My point obviously was going nowhere – just a difference in cultures.

I increased my treadmill time from 5 to 6 minutes.  I was surprised that 2 of the Direct TV screens were showing last night’s Patriots vs Lions game.

I finished all but 2 of my exercises in an hour and 45 minutes – 2 ladies seemed to be going back and forth between the last 2 machines I needed.

Before lunch I took a little nap from 12:45 to 1:15.

Again Teresa was telling me about a trip we could take to Coveñas a town near the Atlantic, supposedly 8 hours by bus and at a cost of only 1,500,000 for the two of us.  Again I reminded her I need to pay for my new Visa in November/December and who knows when we will need additional cash for Laura to go work as an au pair.  I think the clincher was when I asked her if we should take the $500 out of my savings for my Visa; then she changed her tune to “another day”.

I forgot to mention that I got a buffering free Slingbox connection for my football game yesterday.

I spent part of the afternoon going through some chess videos.

I watched some Monday Night Football and surprisingly it was also buffer free even though I’m supposedly too far away and around a corner from the router.

Today’s Step Count was 5,645.

Joke of the day

JEWISH STAND UP COMEDY JOKES

You’ve heard the controversy about when life begins. In Jewish tradition, the fetus is not considered viable until it graduates from medical school.

Sunday, September 23, 2018

Last night I woke up at 2:15, fell back asleep quickly, woke up at 6am, finally fell back asleep and woke/got up at 8am.

Teresa made me oatmeal with cinnamon for breakfast.  Of course for this first time it was Colombian style.  I had to search through all the milk to find the oatmeal.  I had her take it back and she added more oatmeal.  Wow, is that filling.

Teresa showed me a photo on her cellphone of a pink computer mouse where the scroll wheel looks like a clitoris.  Lol.

I put on my Ciclovia shorts and t-shirt and left the apt at 9:05.  

Today I walked down to Exito and took a picture with my cellphone from a distance of the Ferris wheel.  I walked over to the opposite side of Exito and didn’t see it any longer so obviously it’s inside the mall.  Workers were putting up the last of the aluminum decorative pieces so the outside of the mall is almost complete.

I stopped inside Exito and got an internet connection from their new GoWorking wifi area.

I walked down to McDonald’s where I had a latte for 4,200 pesos.  I met a young gringo named Zack who has been here 10 years, is married to a Colombiana and has a child.  He is originally from Evansville, Indiana and he played baseball in the Atlanta Braves farm system then in Venezuela and Colombia.  His order soon came up and he left.

I logged into McDonald’s wifi system but couldn’t get internet.  I soon finished my coffee but didn’t linger.  I walked out the door and looked across at the gas station next door but didn’t see the road to take up to Buena Mesa.  I soon realized I exited the wrong side of the restaurant.  I went back inside and out the other door.  I have to be careful in the future because just outside the door are cars that leave the driveup window.

I walked up to and through the Buena Mesa area to Avenida Poblado then I took side streets back to the apt keeping a lookout for apartments for rent.  I didn’t see any.

The Bears game today against the Arizona Cardinals starts at 3:25 but I’ll start watching other games starting at noon.

Wow, the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers both lost this afternoon.  The Bears pulled out a close one to the Arizona Cardinals 16-14 to move into first place (by ½ a game) in the NFC North division.  Next Sunday it’s the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Chicago.  Tampa Bay plays tomorrow night vs the Pittsburgh Steelers so they’ll have a short week to prepare for the Bears.

Teresa pointed out an apartment building on a direct line to the new mall that has apartments for rent although she said they’ll probably cost 2,000,000 a month.  We’ll see if they are still available next month.

I watched some of Sunday Night Football where the Detroit Lions thrashed the New England Patrioits 26-10.

At Laura’s recommendation Teresa and I watched Trespass (5.3) on Netflix.  It wasn’t very good.

Today’s Step Count was 7,530.

Joke of the day

JEWISH STAND UP COMEDY JOKES

Doctor: "You'll live to be 60!"
Patient: "I am 60!"
Doctor: "See! What did I tell you?" 

Saturday, September 22, 2018

I woke up at 4:30am and got up at 5:30.

We left the apt at 6am and when we arrived at the Nueva eps clinic most of the seats in the waiting room were full.  I read some from my nook and when it was my turn they drew a vial of blood.  At the front desk I paid 1,000 pesos (35cents) and we left.  (I think we get the test results back next Wednesday; hopefully not at 6am.)

It was only 7am and Carbon de Leña had yet to open so we just returned to the apt.

After breakfast we went back to bed at 8am.  I woke up at 10am and got up at 10:30.

After lunch Teresa told me there’s some kind of faire at Plaza Mayor and Daniela, Vicky’s daughter, is working one of the booths.  We might go check it out later, if it isn’t raining.

I spent part of the afternoon going through my 29 most difficult chess tactics.

Teresa left about 2pm to get her hair done.  She came back at 3:15 and asked me how I like her hair.  I told her I didn’t like it but I tried not to tell her I thought it was downright ugly.  She then informed me that she had to comb it out and then it looked much better.

We all left the apt at 4pm, quickly caught a taxi and picked up MT on the usual corner.  Driving down the expressway I was almost positive I saw a Ferris wheel somewhere between the new Exito and the epm power station.

We got out at Plaza Mayor and went to the red pavilion where we bought our tickets to the arts & crafts fair for 8,000 pesos each.

Vicky was there as well as her daughters Laura and Daniela and her granddaughter whose name for me is unpronouncable.  After saying hello to everyone I walked around the area and found there was no wifi and no place to sit.  I was soon bored.  I saw a few people with what looked like homemade popsicles so I asked Laura where we could find those.  She talked to a few people and then reported that the place was far away.  I told her I didn’t care because I was bored.  We walked out of the pavilion and across the plaza to an outdoor food court.  After checking out all the restaurants we settled on an Italian restaurant.  I had a café con leche and Laura had a glass of milk with a fancy dessert.  On the table was an ad for a special – 2 individual or medium sized pizzas for the price of one for 36,300 pesos.  I told Laura “why don’t we pick up 2 pizzas to bring back to share with everyone”.  She thought that was a great idea.  We ordered them and then I had Laura call Vicky (Teresa didn’t bring her cellphone) to tell them not to eat anything because we were bringing pizza.

When they brought the pizzas in boxes to go, we were both surprised that they weren’t larger.

We took the pizzas back and they soon disappeared.

I talked to Vicky’s Laura for awhile and she told me about the great time she had in Texas.  I understand Juan returns this Friday.

We soon left and were back at the apt by 7pm.

I asked Teresa if she wanted to see the Netflix movie Laura recommended several weeks ago (when we didn’t have internet).  She surprised me by suggesting we go to Mu.  I asked her if she wouldn’t rather go back to Antica Pizza.  She said “no, because it’s too much fat”, like there’s no fat in ribs.  Lol.

We left the apt at 7:15 and quickly caught a taxi.  Driving down Avenida Las Vegas I briefly saw the Ferris wheel once again.  At Mu there was no line and we got a table right away.

Sitting at our table we could see a full frontal painting of a naked woman with the caption - Nice Hat!  (What hat?)

I went into the restroom to wash my hands before the food arrived and was surprised to see that they have a container of floss mounted to the wall.  Makes sense!

Teresa always orders a Diet Coke and I always order a regular Coke.  Now keep in the mind that our little table gets crowded with our bottles, glasses, plates, condiments, etc.  At one point I noticed Teresa pick up the Coke sitting between us.  It was my Coke.  After she drank some of it I asked her if she knew she just drank from my glass.  She then saw that her glass was on her other side.  Don’t you think she would notice that?  She did say that she thought her Coke tasted too sweet.  A few minutes later I stopped her from doing it again.  Lol.

The total check came to 93,000 pesos ($31) for the three of us.

Laura wanted to show us the nightclubs (is that the right word?) that she usually frequents.  First she took us down what must have been Calle 8 or 9 past the bar/restaurant with the large outdoor patio.  She said that’s her favorite place.  Then she led us over to Calle 10A to a place called Dancefree.  It was only 8:30 and the place was empty so we said goodbye to Laura and I gave her my usual spiel about being home by 11pm.

Teresa and I quickly caught a taxi back to the apt.

David Simmons emailed me that he had finally finished reading my whole blog from beginning to end.

Today’s Step Count was 8,526.

Joke of the day

JEWISH STAND UP COMEDY JOKES

A doctor gave a man six months to live. Six months later the man hadn't paid his bill so the doctor gave him another six months.

Friday, September 21, 2018

I got up once during the night, a second time about 5:30 and at 6:15 I finally gave up and got up.

I watched the first 20 minutes of the Today show and left for the gym.  (On the way I noticed in the park they had put up the tall poles they use to string Christmas light.)  Today for the first time my hamstrings felt normal.  Yay!  I’ll continue at this weight and reps for another week or two before starting to increase the weight.  I completed all my exercises in an hour and 45 minutes.

I took a short nap from 12:30 to 1pm while waiting for Teresa to finish preparing lunch.

According to our Endodontist, bleaching toothpastes are very inflammatory to pulp tissue so we’re going to stop using the Crest extra whitening toothpaste I bought at Pricesmart.

The other day Teresa got me an appointment for a blood draw.  We’re supposed to go to Nueva eps tomorrow at 6am.  Yikes!

Among new US movie releases, there isn’t anything I want to see.

Locally, I would like to see The Predator (6.4) playing in Oviedo at 6:20pm.  I showed Teresa the trailer and she’s interesting in seeing it so we’ll probably go next Wednesday night.

We all left the apt at 5:45 and took a taxi to the Euro market in Mayorista.  We bought almost $200 in groceries and were back at the apt by 7:30.

Today’s Step Count was 7,815.

Joke of the day

JEWISH STAND UP COMEDY JOKES

My wife and I are always holding hands. If I let go, she shops.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

I got up twice during the night, finally waking at 6:15 and getting up at 6:45.

Teresa left at 7:15 for her exercise class at the gym.

I received an email that MT’s air floss order has been delivered in Florida.

I watched the first 45 minutes of the Today show, changed into my shorts and sleeveless t-shirt and headed out the door.  I took the metro to Rosales station where I checked out a bicycle.  I rode to the Stadium then continued west and then a little south to Parque Laureles #1.  I checked in the bicycle than had lunch at La Pampa – burgers & ribs.  I had their Classic burger, steak fries and a coconut lemonade for 37,800 (about $12.50).  (Long before this I realized I forgot my hat and my cellphone.  It’s boring without your cellphone but it forced me to think and I made a list of things I wanted to do later.)  When I returned to the park I was surprised to find there weren’t any bicycles available.  I walked over to Parque Laureles #2 where I found several bicycles available.  I checked one out and then returned to the Rosales station and from there the metro back to Envigado.

When I returned to the apt I was hot and very tired.  I took a shower to cool off and then napped for almost an hour.

I added additional chess puzzles that I had missed to my database.

When Teresa returned about 6pm from MT’s house she said she wanted to go for pizza.  Laura joined us and we went to our usual place Pizza Antica.  I understand Teresa knows the owner’s wife Gloria.  Tonight I learned that she isn’t married to him yet, they are getting married on October 10^th.  I believe she also talked to Teresa about some lipo procedure she got in Mayorca for 2,500,000 pesos.  I told Teresa to forget about it because I don’t have $800.  

She says she’s going to do pay for it herself.  I know for a while I was giving her 500,000 pesos a month for “her things” and I have no idea how much she’s saved.  To be continued, probably.

Back at the apt I watched some Thursday night football except from 8-9pm when Teresa watched her new amateur musical program – Yo Me Llamo (I Call Myself…).

Another indication that the world is truly coming to an end…first the Chicago Cubs win a World Series then the Cleveland Browns win a football game.  Final, Cleveland Browns 21 New York Jets 17.

Today’s Step Count was 10,056.

Joke of the day

JEWISH STAND UP COMEDY JOKES

Someone stole all my credit cards but I won't be reporting it. The thief spends
less than my wife did.

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

I went to bed at 11pm last night, fell asleep quickly but woke up at 4am.  I waited until 5am until deciding I wasn’t going to be falling back asleep so I got up.  (I should sleep well tonight.)

Teresa has an early morning exercise class so I’ll probably be breakfasting again at Carbon de Leña for $3.

Instead, since I was up so early Teresa made breakfast for me.

I watched the first 20 minutes of the Today show and left for the gym.  I completed all my exercises in an hour and 50 minutes.  On my way back to the apt I counted 19 policemen scattered throughout the plaza outside Exito.  I have no idea what was going on.

Teresa came to me while I was on the computer and informed me that there’s a movie she wants to see – La Monja (The Nun).  I informed her that we saw it last week.  I had to show her the trailer before she would believe me.  I said “we didn’t like it the first time and you want to see it again?”  God, give me strength, maybe she does have Alzheimers?!

Teresa loves the hot plate that she brought back in July from the finca; it’s so much faster than the stove top.

My plan today was to take care of some things in downtown Envigado then take a bus to Vizcaya to see Crazy Rich Asians.

Teresa threw a monkey wrench into those plans when she stated that she wanted to go to Oviedo to buy a shirt (probably blouse).  I talked to her and we came up with a compromise.

Downtown Envigado I paid the Une bill for September and bought another container of Bi-Pro.  I tried to use the BBVA ATM but the security lock on the door was broken and it didn’t give me an English option so I left and used my usual ATM.

Back at the apt Teresa surprised me a little by telling me she didn’t want me to withdraw any more cash this month.  It would be nice if we could make it through the next 10 days using just my debit card for things like trips to the grocery store and still have a little cash at the end of the month to move to savings.

About 2:30 we walked down the hill where we caught a taxi and picked up MT a block later.  They got out at Oviedo and I continued on to Vizcaya.  I arrived an hour early and their internet was still not working.  I bought a general seating ticket for 3,000 pesos ($1) and sat down and finished a Readers Digest I brought with me.  About 15 minutes before showtime I made a quick trip to the restroom then bought a small popcorn and medium soda for 13,200 pesos (about $4.50).  I still have 12-13mil left on my card.  I had to wait 5-10 minutes outside the entrance to the theater for workers to finish cleaning it.

At one point just as the movie was starting an usher checked tickets 2 aisles in front of me and actually moved whole rows around.  Interesting!

The movie was pretty predictable but at least I got to see some opulence of the very rich and there was some comedy.

After the movie I walked down the hill and quickly caught a Sabaneta bus and got a seat in back.  As we were approaching Oviedo Teresa called and told me they were in Santafe mall but they were leaving to head back to the apt.

Tomorrow I plan to go biking.  I’m going to try a new route to Parque Laureles #1 & #2 and I hope to have lunch somewhere near one of them.

Today’s Step Count was 10,832.

Joke of the day

JEWISH STAND UP COMEDY JOKES

What are three words a woman never wants to hear when she's making love?
"Honey, I'm home!"

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

I got up once during the night, woke up at 6am and got up at 6:30.  Teresa was already gone.

I left the apt just before 8am, and had breakfast at Carbon de Leña.

  I left there just before 9am and arrived at the chess league just before 10am.  Jose was there waiting for me.  Another man was there – Jhon Jairo Posada, who I lost a close game to in the last tournament.  I had the White pieces to start and by the 11^th move I was in trouble and I resigned on the 17^th move.  He had a doctor’s appointment in the afternoon and it was still early so we played a second game.  I had Black and on his 10^th move he made a miscalculation and thereafter I threatened his king until I mated him on the 24^th move.

We had lunch at the same sandwich restaurant that Bart and I ate at last week.

We said goodbye with plans to meet again next Tuesday.  Only 16 days until our next chess tournament.

I was back in Envigado by 3:30.  I couldn’t find a table at Bartolos so I just went back to the apt.

I spent the rest of the afternoon and part of the evening studying chess tactics.

I invited Teresa to join me tomorrow for a movie but she’s not interested.

About 6pm it started to rain and was still raining when we went to bed - Teresa at 10pm and I at 11pm,

I relaxed by reading a little in a couple books.

The last few weeks I’ve had some minor discomfort in my left heel.  I thought maybe I contracted Donald Trump’s bone spurs but I just think it’s just the early stages of plantar faciatis.

Today’s Step Count was 8,989.

Joke of the day

JEWISH STAND UP COMEDY JOKES

I've been in love with the same woman for 50 years.  If my wife ever finds out, she'll kill me!