Friday, April 29, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, got up once during the night, finally waking at 6:30 and getting up at 7:15.

I see the Bears didn’t trade back into the first round. In one of the mock drafts, I did see an intriguing possibility where the NY Giants traded their 2022 1^st round pick for the Bears 2023 1^st round pick. That allowed the Bears to get a great player a year early and allowed the Giants to have two 1^st round picks next year giving them the ability to choose any quarterback they might need.

Teresa and I both took a nap after breakfast, but I only rested, couldn’t fall asleep.

Daniela at Inter-Col texted me that my new passport is ready. I told her I’d pick it up on Monday.

Laura texted me she and Lenny are going to Cancun on May 26. Not sure if that changes her desire to join us in July or September.

Teresa and I both took a nap after lunch and this time I slept for an hour.

I watched the 2^nd day of the NFL draft on NFL Game Pass.

With the 39^th pick (2^nd round) the Chicago Bears selected DB Kyler Gordon from Washington.

With the 48^th pick (2^nd round) the Chicago bears selected S Jaquan Brisker from Penn St.

With the 71^st pick (3^rd round) the Chicago Bears selected WR Velus Jones Jr from Tennessee.

 

Funny pix of the day

Thursday, April 28, 2022

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

The NFL draft is finally here (all times CDST):

·     1^st round tonight starting at 7pm.

·     2^nd – 3^rd rounds tomorrow starting at 6pm.

·     4^th-7^th rounds Saturday starting at 11am.

The dollar made a big leap against the peso so today is probably a good time for me to cash in:

Teresa left at 8:45 for Smartfit in the mall and I took a Didi there at 9:15. I brought a recyclable bag and bought some groceries in Exito,  withdrew a significant number of pesos from an ATM then had coffee in Todo Fresa. Teresa joined me with Patricia a little over an hour later.

They had a snack then went upstairs to check out a store while I paid the bill.

We left together in a taxi and they got out at Calle La Buena Mesa and I continued on to the apt. Teresa will call me later regarding lunch.

Teresa returned at 12:30 with a new pair of jeans. She’s lost weight but she could barely get one leg into what she said were size 8 jeans.

We both had an hour nap after lunch.

We had a little rain in the evening.

Teresa informed me the mask mandate will be ending here on May 15^th.

I watched (most of) the NFL draft on NFL Game Pass.

Wow, the Detroit Lions moved up from number 32 to number 12 to select Alabama WR Jameson Williams.

The Pittsburgh Steelers with the 20^th pick in the draft selected QB Kenny Pickett, giving Mitch Trubisky a little competition this year.

 

Funny pix of the day

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, got up 2-3 times during the night, finally waking/getting up at 7am.

Glenn had a doctor’s appointment so I had breakfast alone at Los Porteños. I bought a small box of MPs and 10 Zopiclona tablets in Pasteur. I had a café con leche in Parva for about 90 minutes. At Eduardo Madrid I bought 2 sesame seed bagels for 5,300 pesos. I bought 2 bags of milk in the small grocery store before returning to the apt.

Teresa returned from the gym by 11:30.

I finished season 5 of The Sopranos. I see the last season is long, 21 episodes.

Marcos is back but says he’s very sick and believes he has Covid-19.

I noticed (heard) a truck next door loading display cases from the old Exito. More noise and I suppose soon something new will go in and we’ll have construction noise.

 

Funny pix of the day

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Last night I made the mistake of taking my sleeping pill when I normally take my melatonin so I ended up going to bed a little earlier at 9:30. I got up 2-3 times during the night, was awake for about 2 hours, finally getting up just before 7:15am.

Teresa left just before 9am for a gym class in Smartfit in Viva Envigado. I left about 9:15 and took a Didi to the mall. I was having a latte in Todo Fresa when she joined me a little after 10. In Home Center she returned a spatula we bought the other day and then bought a set of nested pots and we returned to the apt by taxi.

We had a quick shower come through at 1:30 but there’s a chance of thunderstorms all afternoon. (We ended up having no more rain for the day.)

We both took an hour nap after lunch.

It was great to see stars like Frankie Valli and Annette Benning in episodes of The Sopranos.

Jack W: I liked math up to and including Differential Equations. My downfall was Statistics.

I think I found a couple good candidate 4-star all inclusive hotels in Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana with Occidental Caribe and Tropical Deluxe Princess. I’ll be reading the reviews next. Laura surprised me with the possibility that Lenny might want to join us in September. I thought we had settled on July. I’ll be waiting for her response so I know if it will be July or September.

 

 

Funny pix of the day

Monday, April 25, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, got up once during the night, finally getting up just before 7am.

Teresa tells me we’re out of turkey breast, so she wants us to make a trip to Pricesmart this morning.

We had a brief shower already this morning.

We left the apt at 9:45 and took a Didi to Arkadia mall. Teresa bought something in Medipiel then she checked out Decathlon. While we were there I looked for my convertible pants and they had them for the same price but they were a different brand. We had coffee in Santa Leña and shared an oatmeal cookie before walking across the street to Pricesmart. We bought 726,342 pesos ($193) of groceries. I bought another sleeve of 12 Angus beef patties and of course we bought 3 turkey breasts.

We’re planning a trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Laura wants to go in July because Lenny will be in Alaska. I would rather go in September when the US kids are back in school. In either case it will be during the June-October hurricane season. Laura suggested Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, of course a 5-star hotel. And why do we need a casino? Teresa has been to DR several times with her previous husband and she said it was ugly. I told her she never stayed in a resort in Punta Cana. I’m sure Teresa would love staying in a 4-star resort there.

A few months ago I joined a group called Medellin Chess on Whatsapp. Most of the time the posts involve questions like, “I’m free at 5pm for a game in Laureles, anyone available?”

Today, a guy named Ilya posted: “In other news: Russia bans Chess.com.”

Me: “Good. I tried to get Chess.com to banish RU players.”

Ilya: “Lol, why is that? Is it because you are too stupid to distinguish a player from its criminal government?”

Someone named Amanda chimed in with “Think it says Russia is the one that banned it.”

Me: “Either way works for me.”

Ilya: “Russia banned it because they alleged some non-existent discrimination, well they just like to ban everyone now but why one would ask for all players from a certain country to be banned from playing chess is beyond me, maybe this genius here can explain his logic.”

Me: “Well, geez, Chess.com isn’t working for me today. Maybe I should talk to my Russkie friends and find out what’s going on.” “Oh, didn’t you know there is a war going on?”

Someone named Daniel chimed in with “Yes I agree, banning a Russian conglomerate makes sense but individuals trying to play sports seems overkill. Anyway I don’t think this is the place for politics.”

Ilya: “I don’t know what Terry’s chess rating it (sic) but judging by his comments it’s somewhere in 1400’s, let me tell you something amigo most Russians I know not only don’t support this war but are actually helping Ukraine with $$ and by sending first need supplies and go out on pro Ukraine rallies! So kindly take your trash elsewhere plz!”

Me: “I made 1 statement about Chess.com and YOU made an issue out of it.”

Someone named Leon wrote, “Children, Children. Let’s all play nice. Politics is never a good discussion. Let’s be better than that.”

Ilya: “You’ve made several stupid statements, including asking Chess.com for some type of ban. Now, I happen to know the owner of chess.com personally and I assure you that he give (sic) two f… about what you or anyone else is asking him. Ask yourself the following question: what have you actually done to help Ukraine or help end this conflict in any way shape or form?”

Daniel: “Can someone moderate these guys?”

Obviously, I touched a nerve with Ilya when I stated I tried to get RU players banned from Chess.com. But he’s the one who called me “stupid”, “a genius”, a “1400s rated player”, and “I’ve done nothing to support Ukraine”. Was I at fault?

Teresa went to an evening exercise class at the gym while I watched more episodes of The Sopranos.

When I saw Dr. Castano the last time before my 2^nd surgery he predicted my urinary incontinence would be 100% better in a month. Then I had my 2^nd surgery and now it’s worse than ever. Any stress – sneeze, cough, putting on my pants – causes leaking. At least I no longer have any pain on my right side.

 

 

Funny pix of the day

Sunday, April 24, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, got up seven times during the night for trips to the bathroom, finally getting up just before 7am.

I took a Didi to Velvet Café (Carrera 37 #8A-46) arriving at 8:30. They were still setting up tables and chairs when Glenn arrived with Bianca a few minutes later.

Two guys and three gals arrived in shorts and light jerseys with numbers across their chest like they were in some type of race.

Some comments Glenn shared via Whatsapp:

“I’ve had some very mediocre breakfasts in Medellin, but we may have a winner. Velvet Café serves waffles almost exclusively.  With little else to worry about, one would think the waffles would be amazing. Okay, at least passable. Nope. How hard is it to make waffles?! I was served 2 waffles with poached eggs thrown on top. One waffle was twice the thickness as the other. Perhaps they were short on batter?  It seems the primary purpose of the eggs was to warm up the waffles since they were served at room temperature. The eggs were over-cooked and rubbery. Presentation earned a BIG F. I practically begged the waiter to serve their special brew coffee hot instead of just above room temp. He could not accommodate and suggested another drink.  Service was awful, though that’s par for the course in Colombia. And the zinger was they fed my sick doggie a treat with my back turned! Hey, would you give candy to someone else’s baby?”

We left about 10:30 and I took a Didi back to the apt.

Teresa left at 3pm to pick up her mother and visit an aunt in Caldas.

My rating is now up to 1584, within striking distance of 1600 again.

I watched ore episodes of The Sopranos.

Teresa returned at 8:45 with a dozen small empanadas for me. I had just had a bowl of granola so I recommended in the future that she call me to warn me not to eat anything as she’s soon returning with food.

 

Funny pix of the day

Saturday, April 23, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm and it took a little while to fall asleep, but I didn’t wake up until 5am. Wow, 7 straight hours so I imagine I must have gotten some deep sleep. 😊 I could use some more of that.

Teresa left at 9am to pick up her mother for a rumba class in the mall. I’ll be meeting up with them a little later.

I soon left and took a Didi to the mall. I recycled a plastic bottle then checked for my pants in Decathalon. They had two pairs FR 46, W36 L34 on the rack. I bought one then settled down in Todo Fresa with a café con leche. Teresa and MT arrived and they shared a couple small pastries and small coffees. It took a while to pay the bill. We went into Home Center where Teresa picked up a couple T-Fal pans and accessories and I bought a 4-pack of Energizer AAA batteries.

Teresa wanted to go to Mayorca but I declined. She said she would need 300mil so I made a trip to the ATM. On the way I saw a young man carrying a large Dalmation puppy. The thought occurred as to why he was carrying it instead of walking it.

On my way back to the ladies I made a side trip to the restroom. I saw the young man again with the Dalmation. The dog had planted himself on his stomach with legs out to the side. The guy drug it a few feet then dropped the leash and walked ahead. He turned back and the dog hadn’t moved. He picked it up and carried it. 😊

Outside Exito we briefly ran into Dr. Rendon. Across the street we had lunch at La Bahia.

They took a taxi to Mayorca and I took one back to the apt.

I changed the AAA batteries in the TV and Amazon Firestick remote controls.

Teresa called a couple times; they ended up going to Santafe mall instead of Mayorca.

I finished season 4 of The Sopranos.

Teresa returned at 6:30 and brought me a slice of Starbucks carrot cake.

The rain started about 7:30.

I got an urge to watch one of my favorite moves again, Cast Away, starring my favorite actor, Tom Hanks. I skipped through some “slow” parts, but I didn’t miss the end where the redhead in the pickup truck says, “good luck cowboy”. I checked IMDB and her name was Lari White and she died in 2018 of peritoneal cancer. ☹

 

 

Funny pix of the day

Friday, April 22, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 11:20pm. Probably because of my lack of my pre bedtime ritual it took a while to fall asleep.  I got up twice during the night, each time quickly falling back asleep after returning to bed, finally waking/getting up at 8pm.

I was surprised to find that my convertible pants are dry. Well, the material is thin. Another reason I love them.

Teresa had eggs and coffee delivered.

I left the apt at 2:45 and had a café con leche in Parva. I left at 5:30 in order to be back at the apt before dark. On my way back I saw that Tienda de Mascotas isn’t closed its just being remodeled. In the porteria they now have a defibrillator device hanging from the wall. I saw a stack Gente newspapers so I took one. There was an article announcing the 2022 Burger Master competition from Monday, April 25^th to Sunday, May 1^st. I understand hamburgers are only 14,000 pesos ($3.75) and I recognize the following from the list of participants: Juicy Lucy (although I thought their Mercado de Rio location closed), Black Pepper, Medellin Burger Company, Barbacoa, and Classic Diner.

From Michael:

A few minutes later I noticed a few raindrops but they never amounted to anything.

Tonight I had my first bout of constipation since I started drinking Te Badia. I guess I need to drink it more often.

My right side, knee, thigh, and hip, all feel back to normal tonight. 😊

 

Funny pix of the day

Thursday, April 21, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm. I got up twice during the night, each time quickly falling back asleep after returning to bed, finally waking/getting up at 7:15.

Again I think it rained most of the night.

On the morning news they stated that a kilo of rice has increased from 3,122 pesos in 2020 to 3,329 pesos in 2021, up 6.3%.

Teresa went to the gym then had coffee with her amiga and called me at 11:15 to meet her in the porteria. I got dressed and met her there 10 minutes later. We took a Didi to Mayorista. She wanted to have lunch at the same seafood restaurant where we ate with my brother. I asked her which restaurant, the one inside or outside Mayorista. She said, “inside”. As we entered I told her I recall it being to the right. She had the driver continue straight ahead and after a few aisles/blocks he finally pulled over and asked for directions to Amazonia. He then drove to where I remember it being. She ordered some kind of seafood soup and later told me she thought it wasn’t as good as before. They only had a couple things that weren’t seafood and the waitress recommended the baby beef. It was delicious, only the thickest part being too red for me to eat.

Teaser...I almost caught Teresa in the 2nd photo.

We walked to the Badia store where I bought the last (4) of their 25-packs of Te Badia, Chamomile. I also found they deliver so I took one of their refrigerator magnets for the future. Teresa also bought a box of Chamomile anise for herself for a total of 89,403 ($24).

Teresa said she was too tired to shop at Euro so we just returned to the apt by taxi.

We both had an hour nap then had a cup of tea.

I gave her my convertible pants to wash so hopefully they will be dry in a couple days.

Sandra Bullock in The Lost City (6.6) opens here in Cine Colombia, Viva Envigado at 8:40pm. We’re planning on leaving here at 7:30 to see it. We’ll see how that goes. I miss popcorn.

I gave Teresa the convertible pants that I’d been wearing for the past few weeks and asked her to wash them right away so they would dry as quickly as possible.

I started getting dressed before 7pm as I wasn’t sure what I would be wearing. I managed to struggle into one of my regular 34” jeans and added the belt. They are riding low on me because of my incision site. It’s pretty obvious I now have a 36” waist, if nothing changes.

At Teresa’s insistence we left at 7:15 and took a Didi to the mall. Inside Cine Colombia it was almost deserted with one person ahead of us to buy tickets. I found I had 80,350 pesos on my Platinum card. Premium seating (2 tickets) on opening night cost a total of 24,000 ($6.40). We now had an hour and ten-minute wait until the movie started. Their Juan Valdez was open and Teresa suggested getting a coffee. I was feeling rather warm so I preferred a soda. I ordered small and medium sodas and a medium popcorn with salt for 28,000 pesos ($7.50). They have a cardboard cover they tape over the top (I guess for sanity purposes) but since the container is overflowing it’s difficult to cover it. We sat down at a table and ate popcorn (mainly me) and checked our cellphones for an hour.

Inside the theater we took our seats and the advertisements and trailers soon started. The theater ended up with good attendance considering they’re still spacing people because of Covid-19.

With about 30 minutes left in the movie I made a trip to the restroom.

The movie was funny and a bit silly but enjoyable. Teresa certainly liked it and is ready for another movie soon.

Stars included Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe, and surprise…Brad Pitt.

When we left we walked past the Home Center exit that we used to use for late movies but when we found the main entrance closed we turned around and headed to HC. We quickly caught a taxi and were back at the apt by 11pm.

I took my melatonin and sleeping pill and was in bed by 11:20.

My thigh/hip area seems to be back to normal. 😊

 

Funny pix of the day

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm without taking an Advil. I got up once at 11:30, again closer to morning, each time quickly falling back asleep after returning to bed, finally waking/getting up at 7am.

Btw, I think it rained all night but at least it’s now stopped.

Teresa had already left for a trip to eps. She was concerned about being back in time to make me breakfast but I reminded her I’m having breakfast with Glenn.

By the time I arrived at Los Porteños and ordered my breakfast and coffee, Glenn arrived just before 9am. He received Bianca’s test results and there is no problem with her thyroid. He is going to be having some surgery of his own to correct a urinary problem.

We left together and walked north on Avenida Poblado to Otra Parte. He continued on and I crossed the street to Envios Market. For 150,000 pesos I sent the 3 boxes of medicine - and a stone pipe Laura bought for Lenny but forgot to take with her when she left. It should be there by Friday according to Nobraskja.

Teresa informed me her 2pm appt is in Torre Medica (El Tesoro) not Clinica de Medellin. Fearing being there all afternoon I declined her invitation to join her.

I ordered a personal pizza from Papa Johns for my lunch and it arrived in record time of 25 minutes.

Teresa returned by 4pm.

Teresa wanted chicken wings for supper so I placed an order with Rappi for 12 wings from Rocket Wings with sauces on the side. The cost included a delivery charge which supposedly goes to the delivery guy. I also added a tip of 3-4,000 pesos. It was raining by the time the driver arrived so I asked Teresa if I should tip more than usual and she agreed. I gave the driver what was about an additional 4,000 pesos and told the muchacho I was sorry it was so wet out so I added a larger tip. In English he said, “bless you”.

I thought I had just ordered 12 chicken wings but it also came with fries – too much food.

More rain in the evening.

By evening the pain in my thigh/hip was feeling better. I wouldn’t be surprised if the pain is gone by sometime tomorrow. I hope.

 

Funny pix of the day

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm without taking an Advil. I got up once during the night, again at 6am to make a trip to the bathroom, each time quickly falling back asleep after returning to bed, finally waking/getting up at 7:30.

Correction: it appears its my hip that’s sore when I raise my leg not my thigh.

Teresa left just before 9am for the gym. We’re going to meet up a little later in Viva Envigado. I left at 9:15 and took a Didi to the mall. I first inquired at CaFam about some medicine Laura wants and it is priced at 87,500 a box. I recycled a couple plastic bottles then went down to Todo Fresa where I ordered a coconut lemonade. They didn’t have it so I ordered a regular lemonade. Boy was that bitter. I’m sure it was made from limes not lemons so I only had two sips and left the rest.

Teresa joined me just after 10am. After she had a small pastry and small coffee we went up to Decathalon. Darn if the only pair of 36W pants were gone. Teresa looked around and finally we were able to exchange my pants for a jacket for her. Now at least I don’t have to worry about carrying the pants around anymore, I just have to check the store every week or so for new merchandise arrivals until I find my 36Ws.

I was tired so we returned to the apt by taxi.

I had a 40-minute nap before lunch.

After lunch Teresa ordered the medicine Laura wanted and it was only 76,5l0 per box from Todo Drogas.

Teresa suggested we go to Percimon for frozen yogurt. We left the apt about 3:30 and at the corner we waited a couple minutes for MT to round the bend.

She didn’t show so we moved up the hill a bit and waited outside the old DeliQuen that is now closed.

The next door Tienda de Mascotas is now closed and they were in the process of gutting it.

Because I walk slower I told Teresa I would meet her at Percimon.

They arrived about 5 minutes after I did.

We each had a small yogurt ice cream with toppings for a total of 40,600 pesos ($11).

After we finished, Teresa sent me for bread and I asked Teresa to pick up milk on her way back. I stopped at Parva and bought a fresh pan sano for 11,500 (last time it was 10,500 so obviously there’s been some inflation).

We had some rain in the evening.

My thigh is still sore but better than it was in the morning. It hurts when I raise my foot like putting on or taking off pants or even lifting my foot to put on the TENS electrical contacts.

It was still raining when we went to bed at 10pm. I hadn’t taken an Advil but I did leave the container on the kitchen table in case I needed one during the night.

 

Funny pix of the day

Monday, April 18, 2022

Last night I took an Advil and went to bed at 10pm. I woke up at 2:30, flipped the wet sheet & blanket and made a trip to the bathroom. I quickly fell back asleep finally waking/getting up at 7:30.

Maybe it rained all night anyway it’s raining lightly now. I think Teresa is cancelling thoughts of going to the gym this morning. She mentioned something about a 6pm class but she’s afraid it will be crowded.

The rain finally stopped just before 9am.

I was supposed to run an errand for Laura but I didn’t want to go out in the rain. I suggested she have Teresa order it by phone and have it delivered to the apt. She said she would take care of it later. So far I haven’t heard anything from Teresa.

We took a nap after lunch and she slept an hour longer.

Marcos called me from AZ to inform me that his lawyer said that it would be harder to get an American visitor visa if we are only married with the union libre not the full marriage. He returns next Wednesday the 27^th.

I finished season 3 of The Sopranos.

Teresa wanted to play parcheesi but not for money. She’s afraid that in time I would win all of her finca rental cash. 😊 I won 2 games to 1.

I finished the last of my Te Badia. I’ll try to get Teresa to go to Mayorista in the near future so I can buy more. Then I’ll see if I can get their business card so I can have it delivered in the future.

I don’t think we got a high over 70 degrees today.

Soreness in my thigh when I try to lift my leg. That shouldn’t bother me when I’m sleeping so I’m going to bed without taking an Advil.

 

Funny pix of the day

Sunday, April 17, 2022

Happy Easter everyone!

Last night I skipped taking an Advil and went to bed at 10pm. I woke up at 2am and made a trip to the bathroom. I had a little soreness in my thigh/hip area and should have taken an Advil. It took a while to fall back asleep finally waking/getting up at 6:30.

My thigh/hip area was aching to I took half an Excedrin Migraine and it was soon feeling better.

We took a Didi to restaurant Seré in Poblado. Teresa had her usual fruit cup and eggs with avocado. (She later complained they brought all her food at once. I told her that was her fault, she should have just ordered the fruit cup first.) I had the granola with fruit and Greek yogurt. Glenn had French toast but it was served with honey not maple syrup. I told him next time we come here I’ll bring my bottle of Canadian maple syrup. We discussed Christian vs Orthodox Easter and why the dates are different; when Passover is, and a few other religious issues. Bianca had a number of tests for her diarrhea and Glenn is waiting on the results.

We returned to the apt via Didi.

Teresa went to an 11am gym class featuring Rumba.

About 2pm the downpour started. Teresa was going to visit MT but she put that plan on hold. Thirty minutes later it was accompanied by lightning and I soon had to disconnect the TV. It was all over by 3pm although we had a short shower later. Teresa never got out.

I watched more episodes of The Sopranos.

My chess rating is now 1575.

Tonight I have some discomfort in my hip not on the side like before, now more towards the front. ☹ I took an Advil before going to bed.

 

Funny pix of the day

Saturday, April 16, 2022

Last night I skipped taking an Advil and went to bed at 10pm. I got up a couple times during the night but the slight discomfort in my right hip didn’t prevent me from falling asleep. At 6am I heard the hooting of an owl or other bird which didn’t help my falling back asleep. I finally got up at 7:30.

We had a short shower at 9:15 but The Weather Channel predicts scattered thunderstorms for the entire afternoon.

I measured my existing convertible pants, without stretching the elastic, it was exactly 36” so I hope the 36W pair will be perfect.

I watched a lot more The Sopranos.

We never did get more rain in the afternoon.

Teresa invited me to play parcheesi. As I sat down, she said she wanted to play for money, and she pointed to our piggy bank with 500 and 1,000-peso coins. I told her 3 games, 50,000 pesos each game. She accepted and I won all three. 😊 That will teach her to gamble with me.

From Michael:

Another good night with just slight soreness in my right hip.

Funny pix of the day

Friday, April 15, 2022

Today is Good Friday. All the stores are probably closed except for the malls.

Last night I got up once about 3:30 for a trip to the bathroom, a little later I flipped the sheet to find a spot that wasn’t wet, woke up at 6 and got up at 7.

After breakfast I went back to bed; took a while to fall asleep but I think I got about 30 minutes more of sleep.

I understand Teresa lost an aunt last night; she was in her upper 80s and had a brain aneurysm.

I won a 10-move game against Troyclough with the White pieces. I trapped his queen and he was going to lose it for a bishop or knight so he resigned.

I thought most of the restaurants were closed but Glenn texted me he was at Los Porteños.

Teresa wanted to order fried chicken from Frisby but the Rappi app didn’t work so I gave her their phone number and it was delivered in 40 minutes.

I finally finished reading Patricia Cromwell’s 500-page hardcover novel Scarpetta.

I only have slight discomfort in my hip so I went to bed without taking an Advil.

 

Funny pix of the day

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Today is Maundy Thursday.

Last night I took my Advil at 9 and went to bed at 9:30pm; I just couldn’t stay awake any longer. I got up several times during the night, including once to switch the sweaty sheet and again to take it off completely and I slept under the blanket for the remainder of the night, finally getting up at 7am.

We’re having a problem with the English muffins. Obviously we’re not storing them right as they are hard as a rock.

Teresa is going to make me breakfast then she’s going shopping for some breakfast items and have breakfast with her niece later.

I took a Didi car to the mall. I recycled a plastic bottle then entered Decathalon with my pants. I couldn’t find an L on the rack, just the same M-L and L-XL. The next rack had pants that were the same price and looked about the same. There I found a pair of 34W 34L and I noticed there was also a 36W. I usually wear 34W jeans so I exchanged for those. The cashier didn’t say anything about the size tag not being attached.

Downstairs in Todo Fresa I was ready for a cold drink so I ordered a strawberry juice with milk but it was more room temperature than cold.

In Exito I bought a 6-pack of Coke and returned to the apt by taxi.

The new pants are tight, but I think they will serve me for a while until I can get back to wearing pants or jeans with a belt.

Teresa left at 4pm with my gym bag full of food and cooking utensils so I guess she’s making supper for them.

I watched more episodes of The Sopranos.

Teresa returned at 9pm. She said she went to mass and took communion.

Cabana update: It isn’t available because they rented it out to a very poor person.

Today was a good day for me, only slight discomfort in my right leg.

 

Funny pix of the day

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Last night I took my Advil at 9:30 and went to bed at 10pm. I got up once at 3:45 and the night sweats were minimal. It seemed I just catnapped until the alarm went off at 5am and Teresa got up. I finally got up at 7:30.

I left the apt and arrived at Los Porteños by 8:50. All the outside tables were taken so I took the nearest one inside. Fifteen minutes later a couple left, and I grabbed the table just before Glenn arrived with Bianca.

He had his usual tea with a croissant and I had my usual croissant with scrambled eggs and a small latte. It was very quiet today so we suspected the construction workers had the week off for holy week.

I walked to Parva and on the way I saw workers manually backfilling another trench so I guess some of them are still working.

I stayed in Parva for about an hour before returning to the apt.

We had a 5-minute rain shower about 1pm.

More details about Aunt Mary’s finca. 1) It’s not in Girardota, it’s in Copacabana which is slightly closer. 2) They are going on Sunday not Monday. 3) If Esmeralda’s old car can’t make it up the hill it will be a 30-minute walk uphill to the finca. That’s the deal breaker, it would be an uncomfortable 45-minutes for me.

Teresa said in the future we could take the metro from Ayura to Bello then a bus from there to Copacabana. There’d better be a taxi from there to the finca.

Teresa saw an ad for a pizza maker that they sell at Tienda D1. I asked her where we would keep it in our kitchen and her plan is to take it to the finca.

Teresa said I shouldn’t have any trouble returning my pants even though the tag is off.  I sure hope they have a size L.

 

Funny pix of the day

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Last night I took my Advil at 9:30 and went to bed at 10pm. I got up a couple times during the night and the night sweats were minimal. I finally got up at 8am.

Teresa made me breakfast then left for the gym.

Btw, Teresa’s appt. with her oncologist yesterday was good although she has a little high cholesterol and doc wants to put her on some type of plan.

I put on my new convertible pants and they are larger than the old pair. Large enough that I was able to easily put the waistband over my faja.

I left just before 10am and took a Didi to the mall. I was getting out my cash so I didn’t notice the driver missed the turn for the main entrance to the mall. He let me out a 100’ later which actually helped because I was now closer to the Exito’s side entrance.

Oops, I felt my pants start to slide down as I exited the taxi.

At Baloto I paid the utility, Direct TV, and wifi bills.

Since I was already in the garage it was quicker to walk to the elevator and take it up one floor to the parking entrance to the mall. In Claro I paid our monthly cellphone bill plans.

I kept having to pull up my pants and use one hand to hold them in place.  Obviously, I need a size between M-L and L-XL, like L. Now I’m sorry I already removed the price tag but at least I still have it. I’ll have to ask Teresa if that’s going to be a problem.

I made a large withdrawal from a Davivienda ATM then went downstairs to Todo Fresa for coffee.

Teresa called a couple minutes later to ask where I was. She joined me about 5 minutes later.

Teresa told me her aunt Mary (owner of El Rancherito) has a finca in Girardota (45 minutes by bus) and we can stay in their onsite cabin. It is about the size of Todo Fresa (small) with 2-3 bedrooms but no bed. Teresa said we could move one of our extra beds there. Monday Teresa is going with Esmeralda to check it out. I’m strongly considering going with them in order to form my own opinion.

Teresa left about 2pm to get her nails done.

I took an hour nap.

I watched more episodes of The Sopranos although it takes some searching to find a version with subtitles.

In the evening I went into our bathroom and was confronted by a 4” cockroach. After we sized each other over for a few seconds it ran behind the waste basket. I moved it and it ran into the corner behind the toilet. Not having any bug killer spray with my I sprayed the area with Glade. 😊

I heated a couple ribs for supper; only one left.

Teresa returned at 8pm with only a pedicure and after making a trip to the bathroom she carried out “her cockroach kill”. I told her I killed it earlier with bathroom spray.

Teresa has to get up early tomorrow to take her mother for a doctor’s appointment.

It’s 8pm and my hip, etc. are feeling pretty good, just a slight soreness now.

I set the alarm on my cellphone for 5am so Teresa would be sure to get up on time.

 

Funny pix of the day

Monday, April 11, 2022

Last night I took my Advil at 9:30 and went to bed at 10pm. Just after 11pm I flipped the wet sheets without getting up. I got up once more during the night, finally waking/getting up at 7am.

Teresa was getting ready to go to the gym, so I had a bowl of granola for breakfast.

Very quiet outside. This is the beginning of holy week and I think most families have either gone on trips or are away in a finca.

With some difficulty, due to lack of flexibility, I managed to trim my toenails.

By the way, my chess rating has fallen to 1555. I’ve lost a few games to much lower rated players.

Yesterday, Chess.com answered my email and asked me what I don’t like about the new interface. I replied,” 1) There is no place to logoff, 2) I can only see my games when it’s my move.”

Today it looks like we’re back to the old interface on Chess.com. 😊

Again, Didi isn’t working for me today. I offered 6mil to inDriver for a ride to Viva Envigado and immediately had a ride. My driver’s name was something like Arnol Sneider so I asked if he was German. He laughed and asked me, “why?”. I told him Schneider is a common German last name and of course he’s heard of Austrian Arnold Schwarzenegger.

I recycled a number of plastic bottles upstairs and a few batteries in Home Center. In Decathlon I quickly and easily exchanged my convertible pants for a larger size.

I had just ordered coffee in Santa Leña when Teresa called, expecting me to be in Todo Fresa. She said she would take care of some business and meet me there later as her cellphone battery was dying.

I used my permanent marker to block out my name, address, and SS number on my tax documents prior to recycling. Teresa arrived and ate and drank something she brought with her. We left, I tossed my documents in a recycling basket, and we returned to the apt by taxi.

As usual I only ate half my lunch and Teresa plastic wrapped the remainder.

At 2:30 I managed to order a Didi car to Clinica Las Americas. Teresa bribed me by telling me if I went with her she would buy me ice cream after at Crepes & Waffles in Arkadia.

On the clinic grounds we passed a Café/Restaurant. Inside at the first station the young lady had a 7ish child on her lap. Waiting at the 2^nd station I asked Teresa if today is “bring your child to work day”. 😊 We were sent upstairs and we passed another station where I swear I saw the same child on someone’s lap. We were an hour early so Teresa suggested I go to the Café/Restaurant for coffee and she would meet me there after. I retraced my steps and found the Café/Restaurant was closed. I recall there was a cafeteria in the clinic so I went up stairs and took an elevator up the 5^th floor and worked my way down the stairs where I found it on the 3^rd floor. I ordered a café con leche and a pastel de arequipe. Yes, I had forgotten about the ice cream offer. Teresa called about an hour later and I met her at the defunct Café/Restaurant.

We walked to Arkadia and immediately I saw why I dislike this mall so much. There were two escalators, both going down. We took an elevator up to the 4^th floor where Teresa had a banana split and I had vanilla ice cream with hot chocolate sauce. We had also ordered two glasses of ice water but I believe a waitress delivered it to the wrong table.

Outside we caught a taxi after a 10-minute wait. The cost by taxi to return was 14,300 pesos compared to the 8,730 pesos Didi car we used to get there.

 

We haven’t had rain for a few days, so Teresa believes we are now in summer.

I’m feeling that leaking feeling, I need to get more serious about my Kegel exercises.

It’s been a pretty good day without pain in my knee or hip (maybe I am carrying Advil in my system?) but when I was lifting my foot to put on a TENS3000 electrode I felt some pain in my thigh.

 

 

Funny pix of the day

Sunday, April 10, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, couldn’t sleep with the discomfort in my hip, got up at 1:30 and took an Advil (it was raining), got up at 2:30 to dry myself off and flip the sheets, got up one more time before the alarm went off at 7am.

The hip feels normal so far this morning.

I tried to use Didi to order a car to Botanika restaurant but it couldn’t seem to find it. I used inDriver and offered 12mil and we quickly had a ride.

Glenn was already there having a cappuccino.

Teresa and I each ordered a latte.

They had an English/Spanish menu. I ordered an omelette and another latte. Teresa first ordered a fruit cup. Glenn ordered some International thing which he didn’t much care much for. Unlike last time there were no beggars with their hand out. Teresa needed a spoon to eat her egg and I asked the waitress for one. She handed me a package but it contained the same fork and knife. She brought one with a spoon on the next ask.

The bill came and was something like 113,300. Besides my omelette they charged extra for the toast and marmalade. There was one more coffee than we had but I didn’t feel like arguing over 7mil. The tip was over 17%, usually it’s 10% in restaurants. Is this a Parque Llleras tax? I gave the waitress 3 50s and change and she shorted me 700pesos.

We walked to Calle 10 and quickly caught a taxi to El Tesoro mall.

I saw this setup in one of the atriums:

When I saw kids with palm fronds I was my reminded that today is Palm Sunday.

She bought a fanny pack for the gym for 95,900 pesos. We had lunch in Natto Bowls. She did some more shopping but didn’t buy anything.

We returned to the apt by taxi.

When she tried on the fanny pack the belt was too large enough with both sides tightened to the max. I told her she could get it fixed at a Sasteria and showed her where to cut and sew.

I tried to watch more episodes of The Sopranos but I think there is too much wifi traffic on the weekends.

I did a TENS session and it seemed to help my hip. I just hope it lasts until 9:30 when I take my Advil.

 

Funny pix of the day

Saturday, April 9, 2022

Last night I took an Advil Max at 9:30 and went to bed at 10pm. I quickly fell asleep but woke up at 11:30 and flipped the sweaty sheet & blanket from head to toe. I quickly fell back asleep and didn’t wake up until 6am. Now that was a good night’s sleep. After a trip to the bathroom, I returned to bed but I guess I’d had enough sleep and finally gave up and got up at 7:30.

Ah, the old Chess.com interface is back. Thanks! Oops, spoke too soon. It quickly switched back to the new interface. ☹

So far I have some slight soreness in my hip and knee.

I left the apt at 9:30 and walked to Envios Market where I paid 60,800 ($16.20) pesos for my package. I had ordered 4 bottles of Calendula flower and they shipped the same day – March 2^nd - so it took 5 weeks and 2 days to arrive and the total cost was $39.53+$16.20 = $55.73.

At Pasteur I bought some calcium pills for Teresa and walked to the other side of the block to Parva. I ordered a café con leche and a glass of cold water. When I took a sip of the water there was an awful aftertaste. I waited a couple minutes and then sniffed it and it smelled like dirty dish water. Ewww. ☹

I left an hour later and returning to the apt I saw men carrying out the guts of the 3^rd and latest yogurt place, DeliQuen. (Wordplay on Dairy Queen?)

I watched more episodes of The Sopranos.

I had lentil soup for lunch and a rib with the remainder of the fries for supper.

Soreness in my hip this evening but not really at the point of pain. Do I dare try going to sleep without taking an Advil?

Tomorrow we’re meeting Glenn at Botanika for breakfast at 8:30. It’s near Parque Lleras across from the Charlee hotel; we’ve been there before but he doesn’t remember.

I did a TENS session with the electrodes set in the old position I just put the higher one up a little higher. A little soreness in the hip but not really painful.

 

Funny pix of the day