Monday, March 30, 2020

Day 14 of self-isolation.


Last night I went to bed at 10:30, got up twice during the night, waking at 5:30 and finally getting up at 6:30.


One of my readers mentioned another good coronavirus tracking website:

https://ncov2019.live/?fbclid=IwAR3sKzytaZLX2iIMTk6qM0uZZjCqHwE154yPFJcK44oJTGntTNn7QDJ75hU

Per the “daily increase” on the Johns Hopkins dashboard it looks like the US has been averaging 18,000-20,000 new cases each of the past 5 days for a total of about 163,000.  Scary!


I heard the governor of Rhode Island issued an order requiring anyone visiting from out-of-state has to self-quarantine for 14 days.  That isn’t exactly closing their borders but the result is close to the same.  Their National Guard are doing house-to-house searches to find people from New York to force them to quarantine?  Wow, that sure sounds like its abridging someone’s rights.


Florida has set up highway checkpoints to screen drivers from New York and Louisiana, telling them to self-quarantine for two weeks.  Really, it’s voluntary?


Some days ago a Colombian town started staggering the time customers could use the metroplus.  Now they are also checking their temperature before they are allowed entry.  I understand anything above 38 degrees Celsius is cause for concern.


Well, this self-isolation is quickly getting boring and the longer it takes others to accept quarantining and social distancing the longer it will take to control the virus and the longer I will be stranded in my apt.  Even when this virus is “finished” here I can’t imagine Colombia would be in a hurry to open their borders to foreign tourists.


For lunch Teresa said she was going to make lasagna, only this time replacing the pasta with potatoes.  Hmmm, interesting.  She said lunch would be a little late and finally she changed her mind and said it would take too long so she’s going to make something else.  For lunch we had meatballs, cooked vegetables and, for the first time, mashed potatoes with gravy.  She’s made mashed potatoes before and gravy before but today was the first time she managed to make them together.  Lol.


I watched the next episode of Dirty Money – Cartel Bank: A trail of suspicious transactions led to startling revelations about banking giant HSBC and its ties to Mexico’s deadliest drug cartels.


Per the evening news there are 798 coronavirus cases in Colombia most of which are in Bogota (350) with 96 in Antioquia.  Here is the case breakdown by age:

Minors under 20: 35

20-40 years of age: 350

40-60 years of age: 269

Older than 60: 144.


I’m reading some conflicting information about virus transmission and wearing masks.  I’m afraid if I went out without a mask here I might get stopped from police.  I guess I’ll find out on Wednesday when I have to go pay for the apt, etc.


My ex- sent me an audio recording of a doctor reporting that in every death he has seen the bodies had Ibuprofen (aka Advil) in their system so tell everyone not to take it.  Sorry, that’s all I know and my ex- watches some pretty questionable videos.


The following is a quote from Time magazine (hoping now I won’t get sued): “Dr. Laura Mulvey, 33, practices emergency medicine at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.  We realized that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for testing were missing the mark.  Early on, when we had people coming in concerned that they had coronavirus, they had to have a fever, and a cough, and have traveled from Wuhan.  If you’re testing for that, the likelihood that they have COVID is close to 100%.  By those guidelines, we were incapable of testing.  Nobody had the tests.  You had to call the Department of Health to get permission to send a swab.  Early on, you’re crippled by your public health response.”  That’s taken slightly out of context but I hope some of you will be able to read the entire article.


I received the following US embassy email today:

There are 798 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colombia. There are 14 COVID-19 related deaths reported as of March 30, 2020.  Please check https://co.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ for updates on the status of entry-exit information, quarantine, and important links regarding COVID-19 resources in Colombia.

COVID-19 in Colombia:

On March 23, the President of Colombia grounded international flights for a period of 30 days.  The Government of Colombia also declared a national quarantine to last until April 13 that requires everyone to shelter in place.  The U.S. Embassy remains available to offer 24/7 emergency services to U.S. citizens. We are exploring additional flight options to the United States and will disseminate information once available.

Quarantine Information:

While in Colombia, U.S. citizens should expect to comply with the nationwide "stay at home" mandatory preventative isolation announced by the government.  The quarantine will continue until 12 a.m. Monday, April 13.  All individuals in Colombia are required to shelter in place and remain inside.  Most public locations are closed.  Individuals over the age of 70 are expected to self quarantine through May 2020.  The national decree allows for exit under certain circumstances, including:

1.    One member of the household to purchase groceries or medicine.

2.    Transport for emergency medical care.

3.    Pet relief for no more than 20 minutes by one family member in the immediate area of your home.

Joke of the day

One day, while doing door-to-door market research, this guy knocks on a door and is greeted by a beautiful young housewife.

He's inquiring about a particular petroleum jelly product to see how it's being used, and by whom.

"Hello," he starts, "I'm doing some research for a petroleum jelly manufacturer. Have you ever used the product?"

"Yes. My husband and I use it during intercourse," she answers.

The researcher is stunned by the blunt reply but quickly regains his composure.  

"Um, er... I admire you for your honesty," he continues.  "Can you tell me exactly how you use it?"

"Sure, we put it on the doorknob so the kids can't get in."

Sunday, March 29, 2020

My 13^th day of self-isolation.


Last night I went to bed at 10:30, got up once at 5:30, fell back asleep finally waking/getting up at 7:30.


Just so you don’t miss this addition to my Trump Coronavirus post, according to a press release from the State Department, the US gave 17.8 tons of supplies including ventilators and masks to China.  See my next post for more details.


I watched another episode of Dirty Money.  This episode was about a drug company named Valeant and how they acquire other drug companies and then create profit by jacking up their prices.


About 3:20 it started raining and the temperature dropped quickly to 76 degrees and it soon became a downpour but it only lasted about 30 minutes.


Per the evening news there are 702 coronavirus cases in Colombia, 86 in Antioquia, with 10 deaths.  Here is the case breakdown by age:

Minors under 20: 31

20-40 years of age: 306

40-60 years of age: 244

Older than 60: 121.


Joke of the day

James is walking on a downtown street one day, and he happens to see his old high school friend, Harry, a little way up ahead.

"Harry, Harry, how are you?" he greets his old buddy after getting his attention.

"Not so good," says Harry.

"Why, what happened?" James queries.

"Well," Harry says, "I just went bankrupt and I've still got to feed my family. I don't know what I'm going to do."

"Could have been worse," James replies calmly. "Could have been worse."

A month or so later, James again encounters Harry, in a restaurant. "And how are things now?" he asks.

"Terrible!" says Harry. "Our house burned down last night."

"Could have been worse," says James, again with total aplomb, and goes about his business.

A month later, James runs into Harry a third time. "Well, how goes it?" he inquires.

"Oh!" says Harry. "Things just get worse and worse. It's one tragedy after another! Now my wife has left me!"

Harry nods his head and gives his usual optimistic-seeming little smile, accompanied by his usual words: "Could've been worse."

This time, Harry grabs James by the shoulders.

"Wait a minute!" he says. "I'm not gonna let you off so easy this time. Three times in the past few months we've run into one another, and every time I've told you the latest disaster in my life. Every time you say the same thing: 'Could have been worse.' This time, for God's sake, Harry, I want you to tell me: how in Heaven's name could it have been any worse?"

James smiles at him: "Could have happened to me."

Saturday, March 28, 2020

 

My 12^th day of self-isolation.


Last night I went to bed at 10:30 fell asleep quickly and didn’t wake up until 5:15 so almost 7 hours was good for me.  I stayed in bed and it took some time to fall back asleep and I finally woke/got up at 8:15.


I received a couple more comments from my blog readers - this time thanking me for creating such a detailed timeline.  It’s a shame the complainers didn’t have anything positive to offer.


I looked at the Johns Hopkins map trying to find countries that haven’t reported any coronavirus cases.  Even islands like Dominican Republic and Bermuda have cases.  So far, Angola (and a few neighboring countries like Chad) look pretty clear.


At 1pm news, 608 confirmed cases in Colombia.


Teresa called and ordered 4 bags of milk and some carrots.  I went down to the porter to pick them up when they called.


I went back down to the storage area and opened my suitcase and took out my jump rope.  I might as well try to get some cardio.


I watched the first episode (season 1) of Dirty Money on Netflix.  It was about Volkwagen lying about their diesel emissions.


I could see a man across the street running laps in the hallway of his apt.


I guess I finally convinced Teresa to call Go Wings as she ordered their wing combos to be delivered for 36,900.


Per the 7pm news: 20,000 dead in Europe; a Medellin hospital has been abandoned for coronavirus clensing; people are selling fake coronavirus tests; almost 3,000 foreigners are leaving on humanitarian flights from Bogota.


It was nice to have something not so healthy to eat for a change.  Lol.


I recommend following this Johns Hopkins coronavirus dashboard:

https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6

Click on the US on the left then look at the confirmed cases graph on the lower right.  The cases have increased greatly since about the 1^st of March.  Switch it to the “daily increase” and you can see that the US cases have increased by 20,000+ daily the last few days.


About 9:15 someone started shouting “apage la luz” (turn off the lights).  There was some compliance and eventually others (mostly kids) in the area started shouting the same.  Of course, Teresa had to turn off the only light we had on and I closed my laptop.  That was about it for light for us for the remainder of the night.


Joke of the day

A travel agent looked up from his desk to see an older lady and an older gentleman peering in the shop window at the posters showing the glamorous destinations around the world.

The agent had had a good week and the dejected couple looking in the window gave him a rare feeling of generosity.

He called them into his shop and said, "I know that on your pension you could never hope to have a holiday, so I am sending you off to a fabulous resort at my expense, and I won't take no for an answer."

He took them inside and asked his secretary to write two flight tickets and book a room in a five-star hotel.

They, as can be expected, gladly accepted, and were on their way.

About a month later the little lady came into his shop.

"And how did you like your holiday?" he asked eagerly.

"The flight was exciting and the room was lovely," she said. "I've come to thank you. But, one thing puzzled me.

Who was that old guy I had to share the room with?"

Friday, March 27, 2020

My 11^th day of self-isolation.


Last night I went to bed at 10:30, woke up at 3:30, got up at 4:30 and took half a Zopiclona.  Eventually fell back asleep waking/ getting up at 8:30.


A couple of my blog readers took exception to my Trump coronavirus posting but had no corrections to suggest.


At 11:10 I went to take a nap and at noon Teresa got me up because the pope was making a blessing for the world.  Interestingly, Direct TV cut off the broadcast just before 1pm (leaving just enough time for a commercial).


Streets are deserted; sidewalks are deserted.  Later in the afternoon I saw a few cars parked at Exito.


From what I’ve read Alabama and Mississippi, at least at the state level, aren’t quarantining so I wouldn’t be surprised if they get hit hardest next.


The following is from the Medellin Herald:

Colombia President Ivan Duque announced March 25 that certain measures designed to contain the spread of Coronovirus will continue past the presumptive expiration of the national quarantine on April 13.

The announcement came on the heels of a March 25 bulletin from the Ministry of Health indicating that confirmed Coronavirus cases rose to 470 nationally, led by Bogota (170), Cali/Valle del Cauca (71) and Medellin/Antioquia (59). So far, eight persons have recovered from the disease.

According to the Ministry, four persons have died to date from complications related to Coronavirus, including a taxi driver in Cartagena who had mingled with infected Italian tourists; a 70-year-old woman in Cali exposed to the virus by a daughter who returned from a trip to Cuba; an 88-year-old man in Santa Marta who frequently interacted with tourists; and a 76-year-old man in Bogotá.

Meanwhile, between now and April 13, “we will evaluate the behavior of the pandemic curve and then make decisions on the measures and restrictions adopted,” President Duque said.

Government and private-sector management of the Coronavirus pandemic “does not end with quarantine,” he added.

“In that I want to be clear, so that we have managed expectations. It's not that on April 13 we will all be able to go outside, go to a concert, then go to a bar to celebrate. No. The controls will continue.

“On April 20, we will define whether children and young people can return to universities and schools, or whether they should remain in virtual [online] classes.”

As for social-distancing measures, Duque stated that “we will have to deepen them and strengthen hygiene measures.” Special isolation of people over 70 years of age, “which is the sector most vulnerable to attacks by this virus,” will continue until at least May 30.

Colombia has 539 cases.


Victoria from Envios Market finally answered my email question about if hospitals might need my N94 facemasks “Sorry I think not yet but probably later.”


I wonder how long it will be before one US state closes its borders to another – or county or city.


Fox Business Network announced it has officially “parted ways” with anchor Trish Regan following her controversial rant against what she called the ‘coronavirus impeachment scam’ earlier this month.


My daughter in Chicago texted me that someone in her building has tested positive.


Spain had 769 deaths in 24 hours.


On the evening news I caught the following statistics regarding the age ranges for Colombia’s coronavirus cases:

Minors under 20: 21

20-40 years of age: 236

40-60 years of age: 191

Older than 60: 91.


Antioquia has 60 cases.


Joke of the day

Two delicate blossoms of Southern femininity were conversing on the porch of a large white-pillared mansion.

The first woman said, "When my first child was born, my husband built this beautiful mansion for me."

The second woman commented, "Well, isn't that nice?"

The first woman continued, "When my second child was born, my husband bought me that fine Cadillac automobile you see parked in the drive."

Again, the second woman commented, "Well, isn't that nice?"

The first woman boasted, "Then when my third child was born, my husband bought me this exquisite diamond bracelet."

Yet again, the second woman commented, "Well, isn't that nice?"

The first woman then asked her companion, "What did your husband buy for you when you had your first child?"

The second woman replied, "My husband sent me to charm school."

"Charm school!" the first woman cried. "Land sakes, child, what on Earth for?"

"So that instead of saying, 'Who gives a crap,' I learned to say, 'Well, isn't that nice?'"

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Last night I went to bed at 10:30, got up once during the night (shouldn’t have had soup for dinner at 9pm), was awakened at 4:30 by Teresa’s snoring.  Changing my position only quieted her for a few minutes.  I finally got up and turned on the fan and she stopped snoring but I still couldn’t get back to sleep.  I gave up at 7:15 and took an Excedrin Migraine for my sleepless headache.  I’m sure I’ll be taking a nap later.


This morning I have a runny nose.  If its just a cold I can handle that.


I tried taking a nap from about 10:30 to 12:15 but I don’t think I slept at all, only rested.


We got some rain starting about 3:30 but it didn’t last long.


I contacted Juan to see if he had any advice as to where I could donate my box of N95 facemasks.  He recommended not to go to a hospital in Poblado as it’s such a rich area – maybe a hospital downtown.  Now all I have to do is figure out a way to get them there.


For some reason about 7:15 police closed off the north end of the street and there was some kind of an announcement using a bullhorn.  Five minutes later neighbors applauded again.


On the evening news I caught the following statistics regarding the age ranges for Colombia’s 491 coronavirus cases:

Minors under 20: 21

20-40 years of age: 212

40-60 years of age: 178

Older than 60: 80.


Today the US passed China with the most coronavirus cases with 83,329.  Thankfully, the US has had a lot fewer deaths with 1,222.


Btw, I’m still updating the Trump coronavirus Timeline.


Joke of the day

A man lies on his deathbed, surrounded by his family: a weeping wife and four children.

Three of the children are tall, good-looking and athletic, but the fourth and youngest is an ugly runt.

"Darling wife," the husband whispers, "assure me that the youngest child really is mine. I want to know the truth before I die, I will forgive you if-"

The wife gently interrupts him. "Yes, my dearest, absolutely, no question, I swear on my mother's grave that you are his father."

The man then dies, happy. The wife mutters under her breath: "Thank God he didn't ask about the other three."

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Last night I went to bed at 10:30pm, got up twice during the night, finally waking/getting up at 7am.


Medellin (including the metropolitan area) have instituted “pico y cedula”.  For example, since my and Teresa’s cedula end with a ‘7’ in Envigado we are only allowed to go to the grocery store, pharmacy, and bank on Wednesdays and Saturdays.  Of course a secondary rule says only one person from the family can go out.)  There is a 932mil penalty for violations.

I saw an “interesting” movie on Netflix this afternoon called The Platform.


Per the evening news, Colombia has 470 coronavirus cases, and today they experienced their 4^th death, a 76-year-old.  Most of the cases now fall in the 20-40 year-old range.  Antioqia has 59 cases.


Victoria from Envios Market emailed me that there is a 55mil charge for my last package.  I emailed back that my package contained 20 N95 facemasks and that I would like to donate most of them to a local hospital if there is a need.  A few minutes later I got 2 Ziploc bags and marked one with my name and one with Teresa’s.  I put my mask inside my bag but she doesn’t like how hers fits.  It’s too tight so she “fixed it” which probably means it no longer works correctly.  I know they are tight and warm and uncomfortable but otherwise they don’t work.  I’m slightly concerned mine won’t fit correctly because of my beard. (Imagine being a healthcare worker and having to wear one all day every day.)


If I understood the news correctly, some town wants their citizens to use the transmilenio only at specific hours (5-6am, 6-7am, 7-8am, 8-9am) depending on their cedula number.


At 8pm more applause for the healthcare workers joined in by several dogs howling.


About 9pm I noticed police checking papers of a couple waiting outside Exito.


I don’t claim to be a writer or a historian but in my “free time” I’ve been working on a timeline of the Trump administration as it relates to its response to the coronavirus.  I hope everyone will read it and feel free to reply with any corrections.


Joke of the day

It was the beginning of a new academic year at the college, and the freshmen were beginning to arrive.

The job of introducing the newcomers to their new surroundings belonged to the Dean of Women.

During the opening speech of the lecture, the Dean saw fit to bring up the subject of sexual morality, in line with the college's conservative values.

She asked the freshmen: "In moments of temptation, ask yourselves just one question: Is an hour of pleasure worth a lifetime of shame?"

The freshmen half-heartedly muttered in agreement, and the lecture went on without interruption. 

At the end of the lecture, the Dean decided to ask the freshmen if they had any questions.

One of the girls shyly raised her hand and asked: "How do you get it to last for a whole hour?"

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Last night I went to bed at 10:30pm, woke up at 6:30am and got up at 7am.


I watched the Today show.


Its  cool day, at 12:30 its only 76 degrees.


Every day I’m trying to complete a set of 16 chess puzzles.


I spend a lot of time watching Netflix movies if I don’t find anything interesting on Direct TV.  Teresa keeps buy crochying (sp?) flowers on a black dress.  I don’t know what she’s going to do to keep busy when she finishes that.  She wants me to buy a parcheesi game in downtown Envigado but I don’t understand exactly where it is I’m supposed to go.  And of course I won’t be able to leave the apt until April 1^st to pay bills.


Late in the afternoon I finally got Teresa to order 4 bags of milk.  A few minutes later we got a call from the doorman and I had to go down to pick it up.  I put on my N95 mask, uncomfortable to wear, and when I arrived at the guardhouse the porter motioned to a young man on a motorcycle outside.  I gave him 12mil, took the bag and returned to the apt.  Other than the doorman I didn’t run into anyone.


At 8pm the usual applause for the medical workers.


I saw that Italy had over 700 deaths today.  In Colombia, in total cases, the 40-60 age group now slightly surpassed the 20-40 age group.


Per ColombiaReports.com “A team of engineers and scientists in Medellin were able to create a prototype of a low-cost open source ventilator that could save countless lives during the coronavirus pandemic.”


Per the Medellin Herald “the quarantine goes national extends throught the first minutes of April 13^th.  This drastic quarantine started March 20 at 7pm on all residents, vehicles, restaurants, meetings and gatherings.”

“Medellin and Colombia today face the same issues with Coronavirus as the entire planet -- and coping steps being taken here are virtually identical to every other nation and major city.

As of March 16, all foreigners have been banned from travelling to Colombia -- until further notice.

What’s more, starting this weekend (the last minute of March 22, at 11:59 pm), even Colombian nationals and residents currently outside of Colombia also will be prohibited from returning home for the next 30 days, as Colombian President Ivan Duque announced in a March 19 press conference.

While many Colombian citizens and residents have already returned to Colombia since the health crisis emerged in recent weeks, too many have failed to comply with quarantine and isolation requirements -- presenting great risk to all other Colombians, Duque added.  Hence the relatively drastic measure to ban even returnees for the next 30 days, he explained.

As of March 19, the Ministry of Health reported 128 confirmed cases of Coronavirus nationally, with Bogota accounting for most (53 cases), while metro Medellin including Antioquia department had just 11 cases.

According to the Ministry of Transport, nine foreign nationals so far have been deported shortly after arrival here for failure to comply with quarantine requirements.

New control measures include “random visiting brigades to verify that [mandatory quarantine] isolation is being met,” according to the Ministry.

“In addition, hotels throughout the country where foreigners are confined in preventive isolation have been reporting to Migración Colombia if [foreign visitors] have complied with the recommendation and if not, they will be deported.”

International arriving passengers “must make a declaration in writing of the places visited during the last 14 days and facilitate the taking of [body] temperature,” the Ministry added.”

Colombia has 378 cases.


Per the NY Times map, worldwide, the coronavirus pandemic has sickened 425,600 and at least 19,301 have died in 168 countries.

Per the John Hopkins website, 435,006 cases worldwide with 19,625 dead while 111,822 have recovered.  Cook County, IL has 1,194 confirmed cases with 9 deaths and 1,185 currently active.


Note: The above news and statistics were collected 3/25/20 at 7:30am.


Joke of the day

Ron, an elderly man in Australia, had owned a large farm for several years.

He had a large pond at the back.

It was properly shaped for swimming, so he fixed it up nice with picnic tables, horseshoe courts, and some orange and lime trees.

One evening the old farmer decided to go down to the pond, as he hadn't been there for a while, and look it over.

He grabbed a five-gallon bucket to bring back some fruit. As he neared the pond, he heard voices shouting and laughing with glee.

As he came closer, he saw it was a bunch of young women skinny-dipping in his pond.

He made the women aware of his presence, and they all went to the deep end.

One of the women shouted to him, "We're not coming out until you leave!"

Ron frowned, "I didn't come down here to watch you ladies swim naked or make you get out of the pond naked."

Holding the bucket up, he said: "I'm here to feed the alligator."

Monday, March 23, 2020

Last night I went to bed at 11pm, woke up at 6am and got up at 7am.

Today is a holiday here; St. Joseph’s Day.  This was supposed to be the last day of my chess tournament before things got crazy.


“FEMA Administrator Peter T. Gaynor said Sunday the president has not yet invoked the Defense Production Act, which would allow the government to order companies to ramp up the production of ventilators and protective masks, among other products.”  WTF is he waiting for?


Teresa is listening on her cell phone to a doctor in Spain who is mad because they don’t have enough respirators for their patients.


On the afternoon news, they covered the following topics (I learned mainly from reading sub-titles): ceptions to the Colombia-wide quarantine; travelers returning to Bogota; declared a prison emergency; details of attempted jail escape; Colombias 3^rd virus death is in Santa Marta; constructing ICUs for virus patients; putting up isolation tents in Cucuta; Barranquilla adapting a hospital for virus patients; first virus case in San Andres; showed empty streets in Madrid, Spain; European market losses on Wall street; cell services increasing their services; supermarket prices; farmers working hard to keep food supply moving; 354,000 cases worldwide; DT states that after 15 days a decision needs to be made; Congress searching for a concensus; Miami and LA look deserted; monks in Thailand make facemasks; 77 cases in Venezuela.


Per a US Embassy email: Colombia has instituted a nationwide “stay at home” mandatory preventive isolation until 12am Monday, April 13.  Individuals over 70 are expected to self-quarantine through May.


About 6:30 Teresa had ME take the garbage out.  I had to take the elevator down to the garage level and walk to the other side and put it in a bin.  Luckily, I didn’t run into anyone on the way to or from.

Applause again at 8pm.


The US had 100 deaths today.  That’s 33,000+ cases and 400+ deaths total.


Per the nightly news Spain has 462 deaths and Italy is up to 602.

More 8pm applause for the healthcare workers.


I finished reading Nicholas Sparks’ Message in a Bottle.


2,007 steps today.  Well, I guess I can get about 2,000 steps if I stay in the apt all day.  I don’t think there’s any reason to continue to wear my step counter since I’m self-quarantined so I won’t be reporting on this anymore for a while.


Joke of the day
It is important for men to remember that, as women grow older, it becomes harder for them to maintain the same quality of housekeeping as when they were younger.  When you notice this, try not to yell at them.  Some are oversensitive, and there's nothing worse than an oversensitive woman.
My name is Roger Lesch.  Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife, Peggy.
When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for Peggy to get a full-time job, along with her part-time job, both for extra income and for the health benefits that we needed.
Shortly after she started working, I noticed she was beginning to show her age.  I usually get home from the golf club about the same time she gets home from work. Although she knows how hungry I am, she almost always says she has to rest for half an hour or so before she starts dinner.  I don't yell at her. Instead, I tell her to take her time and just wake me when she gets dinner on the table.
I generally have lunch each day in the Men's Grille at the Golf Club, so eating out is not an option in the evening.  I'm ready for some home-cooked grub when I hit that door.  She used to do the dishes as soon as we finished eating.      But now, it's not unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after dinner.  I do what I can by diplomatically reminding her several times each evening that they won't clean themselves.   I know she really appreciates this as it does seem to motivate her to get them done before she goes to bed.
Another symptom of aging is complaining, I think.  For example, she will say that it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch hour.  But, boys, we take 'em for better or worse, so I just smile and offer encouragement.  I tell her to stretch it out over two, or even three days. That way, she won't have to rush so much.  I also remind her that missing lunch completely now and then wouldn't hurt her any (if you know what I mean).   I like to think tact is one of my strong points.
When doing simple jobs, she seems to think she needs more rest periods.  For example, she had to take a break when she was only half-finished mowing the front lawn.  I try not to make a scene.  I'm a fair man... I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for a while.   And, as long as she is making one for herself, she may as well make one for me too.
I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Peggy.  I'm not saying that showing this much patience & consideration is easy.   Many men will find it difficult.  Some will find it impossible !!!!   Nobody knows better than I do how frustrating women get as they get older. However, guys, if you even use just use a little more tact and less criticism of your aging wife because of this article, I will consider that writing it was well worthwhile.    After all, we are put on this earth to help each other.

EDITOR'S NOTE:
Roger Lesch died suddenly on January 31, of a perforated rectum.
The police report says he was found with a Calloway extra-long 50-inch Big Bertha Driver II golf club jammed up his rear end, with barely 5 inches of grip showing, and a sledge hammer laying nearby.
His wife Peggy was arrested and charged with murder.  The all-woman jury took only 10 minutes to find her Not Guilty  - -  accepting her defense that Roger, somehow without looking, accidentally sat down on his golf club.
A hole in one, so to speak !!!!

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Last night I went to bed at 10:30, got up twice during the night, finally waking/getting up at 7:15.


Again my back feels better first thing in the morning; I’m hoping its because of the new marigold extract supplements I’m taking.


A gringo in Santander reports that it “looks like the Tuesday gap in quarantine coverage has now been filled.  The governor of Santander extended the first quarantine THRU Tuesday…not up to Tuesday; I’m sure it’s a national thing too.  Eliminates the mad rush to the stores to ‘prepare’ for the next period of isolation.”


I’m reading reports of the first coronavirus death in Colombia was a taxi driver who died March 16^th.  He transported two passengers coming back from Italy.  He got sick right away but not before transmiting it to his sister.  It doesn’t appear he had time to give it to others.


At noon its only 78 degrees.  Nice!


From my balcony I can see the occasional car and pedestrian but what I see most are Rappi delivery guys on bicycles.


On the news there was a segment on a couple getting married by Skype.


I heard they’ve postponed the Tokyo Olympics which were scheduled to start in July.


Loud applause outside again at 8pm.


According to the NY Times stats, Colombia has 231 cases with 2 deaths.  One of the government’s priorities is to guarantee the food supply without food price fixing.  They are allowing one person from each family to do grocery shopping.


Because of the virus threat Colombia experienced mass prison riots today leaving 91 injured and 23 killed.



1,326 steps today.


Joke of the day

A preacher wanted to raise money for his church, and, on being told there was a fortune to be made in horse racing, decided to purchase a horse and enter it in the races. However, the going price for horses was so high that he ended up buying a donkey instead. He figured he might as well go ahead and enter it in the races. And, to his surprise, the donkey came in third!

The next day the local paper carried this headline: PREACHER’S ASS SHOWS.

The preacher was so pleased with the donkey that he entered it in the race again, and this time it won. The paper read: PREACHER’S ASS OUT IN FRONT.

The Bishop, however, was so upset with this kind of publicity that he ordered the preacher not to enter the donkey in any more races. The paper headline read: BISHOP SCRATCHES PREACHER’S ASS.

This was too much for the Bishop, so he ordered the preacher to get rid of the donkey. The preacher decided to give it to a nun in a nearby convent. The paper headline the next day read: NUN HAS BEST ASS IN TOWN.

The Bishop fainted in shock. When he came to, he informed the nun that she would have to get rid of the donkey, so she sold it to a farmer for $10.

The next day the headline read: NUN SELLS ASS FOR $10.
And this was too much for the Bishop, so he ordered the nun to buy back the donkey, lead it to the plains, and let it go.

Next day, the headline in the paper read: NUN ANNOUNCES HER ASS IS WILD AND FREE.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Last night I went to bed at 10:30, woke up at 1am and 5am, finally waking at 6:15 and getting up 6:45.


My back feels a little better this morning; not sure if its because of the new medicine or maybe I just slept on my side most of the night.


Almost no one on the street, one maybe waiting outside Exito another walking his dog.


How did America get to this point with 18,900+ cases and 263 deaths?

Well, let’s take a look at the chronology of Trump’s responses:

January 22^nd “We have it totally under control.  It’s one person coming from China.”

January 24^th Trump praises China and President Xi Jinping for the country’s “efforts and transparency” in dealing with the Coronavirus”.

January 30^th “We think we have it very well under control.”

February 2^nd “We pretty much shut it down, coming in from China.”

February 10^th and 14^th he predicted that the arrival of warmer weather could cause the coronavirus to slow down.

February 24^th “The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA.  We are in contact with everyone and all relevant countries.  CDC & World Health have been working hard and very smart.  Stock Market starting to look very good to me!”

February 27^th he predicted that “like a miracle” coronavirus “will disappear”.

February 28^th he described the coronavirus as a “new hoax” of his political rivals.

Suddenly on Monday, March 16^th he states that it’s a pandemic.  On one hand he said “Who knew?” on the other hand he says “I knew it was a pandemic all along, before anyone else knew.”  At the least doesn’t that sound contradictory?  If he knew all along it was a pandemic why didn’t he take it seriously and act sooner to save American lives?  And if he didn’t know he should have!

I’ve been saying for weeks that he should have stopped flights from China as soon as this disease showed itself, not wait until the end of January.  (The only exception would be US citizens returning from China and they would then go into quarantine.)

Why hasn’t he declared a national quarantine?  They need to lockdown the entire country of 330 million for at least a month.

INCOMPETENT! INCOMPETENT! INCOMPETENT!


I finished the last of the salted-in-the shell peanuts and root beer my brother brought me while watching some movies on Direct TV and Netflix.


On the 7pm news the reported that Antioquia has 22 cases; they are no longer reporting just for Medellin but now the whole department.  Of course Bogota has the most.  Still the most cases are in the 20-40 age group.  I don’t believe there is any food shortage but there is a call for the public to purchase food responsibly.


Poor Italy, are they getting hit hard but soon it looks like the US will pass Spain for 3^rd place for total number of cases.  324 deaths in Spain today compared to Italy’s 793.  Italy now has more total deaths than China.


As of Monday foreigners are not allowed entry to Colombia until at least April 21^st.  Can you believe there are still people out there who believe this is just another flu?


At 8pm more applause for the health care workers; easily more people than last night.


After Teresa finished her TV cooking show she asked me if I wanted her to make some pastry.  I asked about carrot cake and she asked me if I could find her a recipe.  I handed her my Betty Crocker Cookbook.  The cake won’t be as dense as Maria makes, it will be more like what you find in bakeries here.


1,471 steps today.


Joke of the day

A newlywed fisherman's wife sees her husband sleeping on the couch. Bored, she decides to take the boat on a ride around the lake. She goes forward a bit, then drops the anchor and reads a book in peace. A short while later, an officer of the coast guard appears and stops beside her. 

"Good morning, ma'am, what are you doing?"

"I'm reading a book." Answered the surprised woman. "Couldn't he see that?" She thought...

"I'm afraid this is a no fishing area." The officer notified her.

"I'm sorry officer but I'm not fishing, I'm clearly reading."

"Yes but you can start at any second, you have all the right equipment. I'm going to have to take you to the station and fill out a complaint."

"OK, but if you do that I will have to give my own complaint about you sexually assaulting me!"

"But.." splattered the surprised office, "I never touched you!"

"Yes that's true," replied the woman, "but you can start at any second, you have all the equipment..."