Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, fell asleep quickly, got up twice during the night (raining both times), woke up at 6:30, fell back asleep, finally waking/getting up at 7:45.

A muchacho arrived about 8:45 and gave Teresa another payment for the finca.

I med Glenn at Los Porteños a few minutes after 9am. We discussed yesterday’s hearings. We left together and I walked with him north on Ave. Poblado as far as Envios Market where I paid 68mil for a package. The box was a Father’s Day present from my daughter and contained 3 bags of nuts:

1.   1# Mixed Nuts, Deluxe Shelled – Salted

2.   1# Pecan Halves, Salted

3.   2# Peanuts, Salted (in Shell)

So as not to waste her money, I’ll have to inform her that the only nuts we can’t find here are salted-in-the-shell peanuts.

From the noon news, it appears a tropical storm is going to pass over the northern portion of Colombia. San Andres Island is preparing for its arrival appr. 8pm Friday to 8am Saturday.

I had an hour nap in the afternoon.

The answer to one of my reader’s questions: I apply one of my TENS unit electrodes to the middle inside of my right foot and the other about two inches above my ankle bone.

I finished watching the 6-part TV series Watergate (7.8) on MTV. One of the last, if not the last, things Nixon said in public was “Always remember, others may hate you, but those who hate you don’t win unless you hate them, and then you destroy yourself.” Too bad he didn’t follow his own advice. (His enemies, at least in his mind, included the democrats, the press, the Jews, and Vietnam war protestors.)

I ordered 4 bottles of Joint Support from Arazo Nutrition for about $80.

We both have bad colds but I think mine is worse; almost every time I cough, I pee, more than just leaking. ☹

Former White House counsel Pat Cipollone has been subpoenaed by the January 6^th committee.

I then watched The Post (7.2) on MTV but couldn’t find a version with subtitles so I’m sure I missed some important dialogue.

I started watching the TV series 1883 (8.8) on MTV.

For supper we had 2 slices of pizza delivered for 20mil, which included a 25% tip.

No rain so far today!

 

Funny pix of the day

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, fell asleep quickly, got up once during the night, woke up at 6:15, fell back asleep, finally waking/getting up at 7:45.

Teresa wanted to go to El Tesoro but I reminded her I have an important program to watch from noon to 2pm.

Teresa was washing whites when I realized I didn’t have any clean underwear. It would take a couple days for the wash to dry so Teresa recommended I buy another package. I changed the MP in my underwear which I had to wear for another day.

I left the apt about 9:15 and walked to Ave. Poblado. A Sabaneta bus soon arrived and I heard a young lady behind me ask if this bus was going to Parque Envigado. I hesitated, trying to translate what she said, and I let her on first and seconds later as I was asking, “Which park? Parque Envigado?” She was already asking the driver. I got on and took a seat in the back while she chose a seat in the front. I got off at Calle 38 Sur and I noticed she wasn’t moving to get off so I said rather loudly as I got off, “Parque Envigado”. I was crossing Ave. Poblado when she came up behind me and thanked me.

I had some chess pages printed at the copy center then bought a package of Punto Blanco brand underwear for 76,990 in Exito. I walked the 6-7 blocks to Parva where I had a café con leche and bought a pan sano to go.

On my way back to the apt I bought 2 bags of milk and 6 lemons (limes) at the small market.

I watched the 2-hour 5^th January 6^th hearing on CNN. Cassidy Hutchinson, former aide to White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, testified:

1.   Trump said (to Secret Service): “Take the Magnetometers away. They (the rioters) aren’t here to hurt me. Let my people in.”

2.   Pat Cipollone said, “We can’t go to the capital. We’ll get charged with every crime imaginable.”

3.    (second hand knowledge), Trump allegedly assaulted an agent of his Secret Service detail over going to the west wing vs the capital.

4.   Meadows and Giuliani asked for federal pardons.

5.   When Trump heard Bill Barr say there was no vote fraud Trump threw his lunch plate against the wall. (And not for the first time.)

After, I watched at least two hours of commentary then had a 1-hour nap.

For supper I placed an order with McDonald’s. It’s a bit of a challenge to find our specific items because it isn’t a linear list, the items are categorized, in Spanish of course. It also asked for my debit card information. I thought I had already given it before but I entered it again. The order was delivered about 35 minutes later and I tipped the muchacho 5mil. This time I mistakenly added another order of fries and I think I ordered a regular chicken sandwich instead of crispy chicken for Teresa. ☹

Well, we’ve almost gone through a day without rain. We’ll see what happens between now and midnight.

 

Funny pix of the day

Monday, June 27, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, managed to fall asleep relatively quickly, got up twice during the night, finally waking/getting up at 6am.

I looked at my posts and realized I skipped Thursday’s. To get them back in order I tried the “Manage” option but that didn’t work. Now I’m going to have to delete them and post them again. It took about 10 minutes but it’s finished.

Teresa informed me that today is a holiday. I googled it and today is Sagrado Corazon so obviously I got the holidays mixed up previously.

Teresa has a bad cold and even I have a little congestion and scratchiness in my throat.

I had a nap of at least an hour after breakfast. It’s becoming apparent I need a good 9 hours of sleep every night.

I left about 10:15 and found Glenn at Los Porteños. He had already finished breakfast and soon left. I had a couple small lattes for 13mil. I stopped at the small grocery and bought lemons (what we call limes) and milk on my way back to the apt.

Teresa is in and out of bed due to her cancer medications and her cold.

I left about 3:30 and took a Didi to the mall. I printed some chess notes then had a latte in Todo Fresa. I also ate a pastel de queso and ordered 4 pastels de pollo to go. I returned to the apt by taxi by 5pm. Later Teresa informed me that they gave me 4 pastels de queso instead of 4 pastels de pollo. ☹

My urinary incontinence (leaking) appears to be worse than ever. Could it be because I haven’t used my TENS unit for the past few days?

At 10pm I stepped out on the balcony and even though it wasn’t raining at the moment the streets were wet so I must have missed a short shower.

 

Funny pix of the day

Sunday, June 26, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, took a little while to fall asleep, got up twice during the night (1^st time rain, 2^nd time no rain), finally waking/getting up at 6:45.

I finally located on my computer the gym video I recorded and added it to the June 20^th posting.

At 8:10, as usual, I ordered a Didi car but after 8 minutes of searching it couldn’t find me a ride. I switched to inDriver and offered 10mil for the trip. Someone immediately offered 13mil, I declined, and another offered 10mil which I accepted. I still was able to meet Glenn at Hija Mia Nomada by 8:30. We talked about politics, America (actually same thing), movies, and TV shows. I had the açai bowl and this time it came in an obviously smaller bowl than usual. A strawberry muchacho came by and I bought a bag of them for 20mil. I offered to share a taxi with Glenn back to Envigado but then it started raining and we both decided we’d rather have cars come pick us up directly at the restaurant.

At 1pm Teresa told me we’re invited to a birthday party. I changed clothes and at 3pm I saw Teresa lying in bed. Thinking I would talk my clothes off and join her I asked her what we’re waiting for and she said, “a ride”. I told her I have the address and we can take a Didi. It was 16mil to Urbanizacion Fuentes de Colores and I understood our driver used to live there.

It was Caterina’s (sp?) 20^th birthday and we sang “Happy Birthday” Colombian style and had birthday cake. I played some games of chess on my cellphone while everyone else chatted. At one point they asked me to give them English lessons so I quizzed them on months, days of the week, colors, etc. Everyone treats me with great respect, probably because of my elderly age and that I’m a foreigner. Six of us piled into a car, me riding shotgun, and they dropped me off at my apt, then probably dropped MT off at hers, and continued on to “abuela’s house”. I really have to work on learning all their names.

I finished season 4 of Yellowstone on MTV.

Just before 9pm the noise started: firecrackers, fireworks, and those ooga (sp?) horns. I learned later that one of Medellin’s football teams, Atletico Nacional, won something.

Teresa returned at 9:45.

I finished Michael Connelly’s The Lincoln Lawyer (Mickey Haller series #1) on my Nook.

Still noisy when I went to bed at 10pm.

 

Funny pix of the day

Saturday, June 25, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, took a little while to fall asleep, got up twice during the night (no rain), finally waking/getting up at 7:45.

Teresa left at 8:45 for two gym classes. We may meet up later for lunch in Viva or Mayorca.

I left at 9:45 for the mall. On the way I realized I forgot the umbrella I want to exchange so I had the driver take me back. I was in and out in 2 minutes and the driver only wanted to charge me the 5,500 pesos original fare but I gave him 10mil.

In Totto Pedro informed me he doesn’t have the other umbrella but he checked the system and they have one in the new section of Mayorca, but it’s gray. I told him I have no problem with gray and he wrote, “sombrilla, umbre, 8EA” on a piece of paper for me. I assume those are model and color numbers.

I was having coffee in Todo Fresa when Teresa arrived from the gym. She had something to eat and we then took a taxi to Mayorca mall. In Totto they didn’t have the umbrella I wanted but they suggested El Tesoro. ☹ Just in case we checked out the Totto in the old section of the mall but they didn’t have it either. We had a nice lunch in Parmessano for 68ml ($17), salmon for Teresa and pasta for me plus 2 juices.

Teresa checked out some clothing stores just in case they had anything new or something she missed. 😊

We returned to the apt by taxi.

From time to time, Teresa suggests I start exercising my arms and I have to remind her that Dr. Gomez said no exercising for six months. Two months to go but still I’m not going to start exercising without the doctor’s okay.

I had a nap from 2pm to 3:30. When I got up, Teresa was getting dressed. I understood something about a poor older relative in Caldas that doesn’t have food or a working refrigerator to put it in. I thought I was going to have to buy a new refrigerator for someone. ☹ Teresa asked me if I wanted to go to Exito with her so I wouldn’t be bored. I told her I’ve already been to 2 malls today (and I’m ready for some boredom). I offered 500mil toward the cause but Teresa only took 300mil and left at 5pm. (I heard the names of Vicky, Wilson, Laura, Monica mentioned so I guess they are pitching in also.)

Teresa may call me later (7:30 or 8) and if it isn’t raining we’ll go to Gloria’s for pizza.

I was thinking we might be able to get through a day without rain but it’s 8pm and there’s lightning in the area so we’ll see.

I unplugged the television and now its pouring. I guess we’re not going out for pizza; time to eat an apple. I took one bite out of an apple and Teresa called me. She asked me to meet them in the porteria. I told her its pouring here and she replied that it isn’t even raining in Sabaneta. Well, at least the lightning stopped so I’m going to plug the TV back in.

Teresa returned at 8:45. It was still raining when I went to bed at 10pm.

 

Funny pix of the day

Friday, June 24, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 11:15pm, fell asleep quickly, got up once during the night (no rain), finally waking/getting up at 6:30.

Teresa left at 8am for a gym class. The plan is to meet at Santafe mall later for lunch so she can exchange some clothes. Hopefully I can exchange my umbrella for a larger one in their Totto store.

I left the apt at 9am and had coffee in Parva while reviewing my chess notes. Teresa joined me about 10:30. She asked me if I’m ready to leave for Mayorca. I told her she said we would meet later at Santafe. She reminded me she asked if she could get to Mayorca from Ave. Poblado by bus. I told her I thought that was a separate topic. Anyway, I explained I don’t have any significant cash or my debit card with me nor the umbrella I want to exchange.

We returned to the apt and soon took an inDriver to Santafe mall for 10mil.

Teresa did some shopping in Zara while I went to Totto to exchange my umbrella. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the one I wanted but I did find a new fanny pack that I bought for 75mil. I returned to Zara and waited outside. While we had lunch in J&C Delicias I managed to get her cellphone fully registered on Didi. She shopped a little more and ended up exchanging some leggings for a more expensive pair in ProChampions. We left at 3pm and returned to the apt by taxi.

I napped for an hour.

I chatted with a Didi rep in my broken Spanish and she forgave my 2,500 peso fee. 😊

Today the US Supreme Court ended 50 years of federal abortion rights. ☹ That returns the laws to the individual states.

For supper I ordered chicken wings from Rocket Wings.

About 7:45 we had a little rain but it didn’t last long.

Funny pix of the day

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, fell asleep quickly, got up once during the night (no rain), finally waking/getting up at 7:15.

The plan for today is I’ll have coffee with Marcos from 10 to 10:30 or 10:45. Teresa has a gym class from 9:15 to 10:15. After, she may have coffee with her gf. Teresa and I will make contact by phone, then I’ll meet her at Mercado Madrid where we will buy some groceries, mainly milk, fruits, and vegetables.

Everything, Everywhere, All at Once (8.3) is playing with showtimes every at noon, 1:50, 3, 4:50, 6, 7:50, and 9pm in Viva Envigado.

I had coffee with Marcos at Maya at 10am. I gave him 250mil so he could buy me a $49.99 MagicJack in Best Buy in the states. I understand he leaves two weeks from today. While he’s in the US his gf is going to Venezuela to renew her passport.

I met Teresa in Mercado Madrid at 11 where we bought 421mil of groceries for $100 and we were back in the apt by 12:15.

I watched the 5^th January 6^th hearing. Trump: “Just say the election was corrupt and leave the rest to me and the Republican Congressmen.”  Matt Gaetz, Mo Brooks, Biggs, Perry, Gohmert and others requested pardons from Trump so they must have thought they did something wrong.

I showed Teresa the name of the movie Everything Everywhere All at Once (8.3), a description of the plot and the trailer and she decided she would go. She suggested I leave early to buy the tickets and she would meet me there later.

I left at 5pm and took a Didi to the mall. While waiting in a short line to buy tickets I noticed the marque only showed showtimes for noon, 3, 6, and 9 for our movie. I called Teresa and informed her there was no 7:50 showtime. She said we could see it tomorrow. As I was exiting the theater I noticed the 6 or 7 computers. I played around with one and it showed there was a 7:50 showtime. I got back in line and bought 2 preferred tickets for 30,200 pesos ($7.50) for the 7:50 show. I called Teresa and informed her I did get tickets so our plan is back on. I went to Auros where I  printed some chess notes then had a latte in Santa Leña while reviewing them. Just after 7pm Teresa called and I ordered a Didi car for her and Whatsapp’d her the screen shot. She later called me and told me the Didi didn’t arrive and she’s taking at taxi. I met her in the theater and she bought a hotdog and Coke and I bought a small popcorn and Coke. The remaining balance on my Platinum card is now 45,950. She put the mustard, ketchup and the tiny shoestring potatoes on her hotdog and ate it before entering the theater.

In the meantime I saw that her Didi driver waited 5 minutes for her and now there is a 2,500 pesos charge and they want me to add a debit card to pay it. That’s the same problem I had before and now I probably can’t use Didi again until I pay it. I downloaded the Didi app to Teresa’s cellphone, gave them her cellphone number but again I don’t see where the security code is that they send to that number. ☹

As we entered the theater it was obvious our movie had already started. The movie was spoken mainly in English but partly in Chinese so the latter I would only understand by trying to translate the Spanish subtitles. That was the strangest movie I’ve ever seen. Teresa didn’t like it at all. (One thing I learned is they translated “bagel” as “posquilla”.)

When we left the theater it was 10:15 and the front entrance should be closed so we went down to Home Center entrance where we quickly caught a taxi back to the apt. I noticed a few raindrops on the windshield of the taxi.

 

Funny pix of the day

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, fell asleep quickly, got up once during the night, again at 5:30am, finally waking/getting up at 7:15.

Teresa was already gone, presumably to a gym class.

Teresa returned at 8:15 and proclaimed she was starving so we soon left for Los Porteños. We were almost finished eating by the time Glenn arrived at 9am. From there Teresa and I went around the corner from Parva where she inquired about getting her eyebrows done. I understood she should come tomorrow and it would be 80mil. We returned to Parva and waited 5 minutes for Patricia to join us. Teresa and I each had a latte and Patricia had a tinto. (I think I’ve finally figured out that a latte is 7,700 pesos but a café con leche is only 4,500.)

On our way back to the apt I bought a roll of 6 sesame seed bagels for 16,200 pesos ($4) at Eduardo Madrid.

We left the apt at 1:15 and took a Didi to La Bahia where we had the lunch of the day for 19mil each. While there Teresa noticed her mother cross the street towards the mall. After lunch we found MT sitting in the Crepes & Waffles ice cream area. Teresa talked to her briefly then we went shopping in ProChampions. She had something to exchange but finally gave up and she’ll try again another day.

Teresa received a call then informed me I have an appointment with Dr. Castano tomorrow at 2:40. I asked why she didn’t check with me first as I don’t want to miss the Jan. 6^th hearing which starts at 2pm tomorrow. She called them back and told the secretary I have something else already scheduled for tomorrow.

We had coffee in Santa Leña then to kill some time we went up to Coffee Market where Teresa had an aromatica (tea?). After a short wait in line we had supper in Crepes y Waffles for 54mil. Teresa did some more shopping in Decathalon but eventually gave up and we returned to the apt by taxi.

When I opened the back door of the taxi it hit Teresa on her hand. Of course, it wasn’t her fault for being in the way it was my fault for opening the door (in her words) “so violently”. ☹

It started raining about 9:15.

Funny pix of the day

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Today is the first day of summer, at least in the northern hemisphere.

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

I email photos to my yahoo email account and I can see the emails using my cellphone but I can’t see them from my computer. ☹

I left at 8am and took a Didi to Cedimed Intermedica on Calle 7. (The driver put on Country & Western music in my honor. 😊)

I had no problem getting my blood draw for my PSA test for 61,800 pesos ($16). After, I had a little leak of my blood draw spot and I forgot to bring a band-aid like last time. They gave me another cotton ball to put on it, I sat in their waiting room for a couple minutes before leaving. I returned to Envigado by bus and by 9am I was sitting in Parva having coffee.

On Facebook someone named Thejas was looking for a chess game for next week. We’ve agreed to meet at Pergamino #2 at 2pm next Thursday, June 30^th and I’ll bring my set.

I returned to the apt by 11am.

We’ve been having some difficulty closing our front door so I put a little CRC on the hinges and lock but it didn’t seem to help. Teresa thinks the problem is the strike plate so maybe a screw is loose. I’ll check that out next after the CRC dries.

I watched the Jan. 6^th hearing #4 on CNN but lost my internet connection at the 1 hour and 45-minute mark.

About 2pm I noticed there was a very light drizzle.

Nobraskja texted me that a package arrived for me in Florida and she asked for its contents and value. I responded it contained nuts that are a Fathers Day gift from my daughter. She didn’t ask for any other details so I guess that was enough.

I took a Didi to the mall where I printed my lost chess notes for 7,700 pesos ($2), bought another notebook and set of indexes for 14mil ($4). In the Totto store I tried to exchange my umbrella for their similar but larger model but was told they don’t have any but to check again on Friday. I had coffee in Todo Fresa, bought a slice of carrot cake to go and returned to the apt by taxi.

It took a few tries but I managed to download my PSA test results. They are the same <0.010 so I’m still cancer free. 😊

 

Funny pix of the day

Monday, June 20, 2022

Today is another holiday, Sagrado Corazón (Sacred Heart).

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

Well, the far leftist Petro won yesterday so we’ll see how that affects Colombia. My opinion is if the US could survive 4 years of Trump, Colombia can survive 4 years of Petro.

Somehow I didn’t get my cellphone recharged overnight. It was right next to the charger but not plugged in. I guess I tried to do it in the dark and it must have slipped out.

It’s at 37% so I plugged it in right away and it should be fully charged in about an hour.

I didn’t buy milk yesterday so we’re planning on going to Los Porteños for breakfast. Their website says they are open at 8am so we’ll call soon after to make sure they’re open.

Teresa called and got a busy signal. Our new plan: I would got to LP first and if they are open I would call her and she would join me for breakfast. If they were closed I would go to Ganso y Castor for breakfast and she would have an arepa in the apt. If GyC was closed, then I would return to the apt and she would make arepas for both of us.

I found LP open, took a table inside, ordered a small latte and called Teresa. Glenn soon arrived and took a seat outside. I joined him at the next table and Teresa soon arrived. For breakfast she had a ham croissant sandwich and I had their egg croissant sandwich. The total, with 2 large and 2 small lattes came to 68mil.

Teresa got a call from her niece inviting us to her apt for lunch. We accepted.

My son sent me a $100 Amazon gift card and my daughter sent me some nuts (in the mail) for Fathers’ Day.

We stopped at the small grocery store on our way back to our apt and bought milk and vegetables.

I put on my new Asics gym shoes for the first time and Teresa’s niece picked us up in her new car at 10:45 and took us to her apt in Robledo, near the Stadium.

After a bit Renaldo took me on a walk to the stadium. We entered a gymnasium where gymnastics practice was underway.

After about 30 minutes there we walked around another building where I noticed postings on each supporting column. I took a look at one and it said something about not parking horses in this area and something about the odor of urine and feces. 😊

We walked back to the apt and I was tired and ready to relax a bit.

We had a nice lunch of soup, grilled chicken and salad. Again, Teresa gave me a large bowl of soup and after that I only ate about half the chicken and salad and gave her the rest.

We left about 6pm and stopped a couple blocks away for coffee and snacks.

At 9pm Teresa was ready for bed until I happened to find Bohemian Rhapsody (in Spanish) on one of the Direct TV stations.

 

Funny pix of the day

Sunday, June 19, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, fell asleep quickly, got up twice during the night, finally waking/getting up at 8am.

As I was packing my tech bag to leave for the mall I realized that last night I left my umbrella in the Didi car. ☹ If I’m going to continue to leave them in movie theaters (been a few years) and taxis I might as well buy cheap ones.

I took a Didi to the mall (Teresa thought it was closed), printed a few chess notes, and went to Todo Fresa for coffee. They had their fans on full speed, which dries out my already dry eyes, so I went upstairs and got the last small table in Santa Leña. I reviewed my chess notes, paid for my coffee and went to Totto where I bought 2 similar small auto open & close umbrellas for 179,800 pesos ($46). I returned to the apt by taxi.

Teresa chose the umbrella I wanted so I’m going to return and exchange the other and I’ll mark it somehow so I’ll know it’s mine.

I just realized I must have left my chess binder in the taxi. ☹ Have I now reached the forgetful age? ☹

A light drizzle started about 1:45 and lasted about half an hour.

We had more rain in the evening. It was raining when I went to bed.

 

Funny pix of the day

Saturday, June 18, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, fell asleep quickly, got up once during the night, again at 6am, finally awakened by my alarm at 7am.

Today Glenn and I are trying a new place for breakfast, Gloria’s Waffles on the other side of the river in Laureles. Remember, we tried it several weeks ago only to find they are closed on Sundays.

At 8am I started the process of ordering a Didi – you never know how long its going to take to get a ride. Thirty seconds later I had a match and it arrived 3 minutes later. I helped the driver with the quickest route to the expressway and I arrived at Gloria’s Waffle House (Transversal 39A #71-10 in Laureles) right at 8:30 and Glenn and Bianca arrived a minute later.

That's Tommy on the left and Glenn with Bianca on the right.

Right away I noticed the following sign and figured a gringo was involved in the business somehow.

We started with coffee and at one point I turned around to look at a map in the other room.

I thought I would check it out after I ordered my food but a couple were now sitting at the table in front of it. A gringo sitting a couple tables behind us asked if I was looking for the waitress. His name is Tommy, from Panama City Florida, and his Colombian wife owns the restaurant. The restaurant opened last December. We talked briefly but someone soon arrived and picked him up.

I had the waffle, scrambled eggs, and bacon for 11mil. I also had 2 lattes. Glenn had their bagel sandwich and a cappuccino. The total bill came to less than 50mil which is a pretty cheap breakfast.

I checked out the world map and there are pins in it apparently from people who had visited the restaurant. There was already one for Chicago.

I called a Didi that dropped me off at the Pasteur pharmacy on Ave. Poblado where I bought another box of 10 Dia man pads for 22mil.

I walked to the other side of the block to Parva and it was packed with people. Long tables were set up and it appeared to be some type of party. After a trip to the restroom I surveyed the room and it appeared the party was breaking up. I ordered a café con leche and took a seat outside. At one point Teresa called and reported she was going to get her hair done and we would meet in the street somewhere for lunch.

I was returning to the apt when a mother (grandmother?) and young girl (5 years?) passed me and the latter swung her arm out and hit me in my tech bag. The former stopped and put her finger in the latter’s face and gave her quite a scolding.

As I got off the elevator Teresa was waiting to get on. She said she will call me in an hour or two.

At 12:45 Teresa called and asked me to meet her at La Casita Parilla, near our old apt. I asked if she was going to wait for me and she said she’s already having a shish kebob. I told her that’s too far and I’ll get something to eat closer to home.

I left about 1:30 and walked to Otra Parte. I got an umbrella table in the back that seemed to give me protection from any possible rain. I couldn’t get my cellphone to show their QR Code menu and soon a woman at the table in front of me came to help. I don’t know how she knew. I finally got the menu and ordered a Maestro de Escuela sandwich and a strawberry juice.

I ate half, along with the chips, and ordered a latte with the half sandwich to go.

I heard a loud peal of thunder about the time my coffee arrived. It started raining lightly and everyone outside but me moved inside. I thought I was okay until the wind picked up and started blowing rain on my back. The umbrella of one of tables next to me acted as a sail and was blown over breaking a glass. I grabbed my things and moved inside but you still had to stay away from the ‘edges’ so as not to get rain blown on you. 

The rain seemed to lessen after about 30 minutes, I tracked down a waiter, paid my bill and returned to the apt in a light rain.

Later Teresa called and asked me to change clothes and meet her at the porteria in ten minutes. A car drove up and Teresa called out to me. I got in next to a young black man. I thought it was one of Teresa’s relatives but it was just an Uber driver. I gave him the address of El Correo and guided him with my Waze app. Again, we missed the right street and got out at Calle 10 and had to walk back two blocks. Teresa was not happy that I didn’t have the correct address. As soon as we sat down I showed the address to our waiter and he confirmed it was correct which got me off the hook.

(Later I checked google maps and I can see we’re turning too soon. After we pass Mu we need to go 3 blocks before turning left.)

I guess Teresa was very hungry as she ordered a plate of empanadas as an appetizer.

She ordered a chicken dish and I pepper steak. The menu said it comes with asparagus, which I hate, but I was able to switch it to a baked potato. I asked for it with butter and he asked me if I also wanted sour cream but I didn’t understand him because he had said it in English. I replied, “solo mantequilla, por favor”. Teresa informed me she has a friend with a great asparagus recipe but I don’t know how she can improve on something I hate.

Wow, that first bite of my pepper steak was spicy. After that it was just a little spicy and the baked potato with butter was great. I only had one bite of my steak that was unchewable, at least by this gringo.

The bill came to 168,850 pesos ($45) and we returned to the apt by Didi.

Funny pix of the day

Friday, June 17, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm (it was raining), fell asleep quickly, got up once during the night (no rain), finally waking/getting up at 7am.

Today is Dia sin IVA in Medellin. That means many items can be purchased without paying the 19% “sales tax” that is already included in the price of many items.

Teresa left at 8am for a gym class on Ave. Poblado.

Teresa returned at 9:15, changed clothes, and we went to Los Porteños for breakfast.

Interesting long-billed bird that wasn’t frightened by my presence. It appears, like a Robin, they eat worms.

After breakfast we walked up to Ave. Poblado and quickly caught a taxi to Mayorca mall. I bought a new pair of Asics walking shoes for $66 in ProChampions. Teresa bought 2 gym tops for $45 in Nike. We had lunch in J&C Delicias for $17. After more shopping Teresa bought some girlie stuff in Linea Estetica for $89. We could hear a strong thunderstorm come through. As we were on the moving sidewalk going from the new section of the mall to the old, we could see gridlock on the streets below. Traffic from all 4 compass directions meet at a traffic circle but nothing was moving. We went to Mimo’s where I had a soft serve ice cream cone covered with chocolate and peanuts. It finally appeared the rain had stopped so I suggested we run for it. Outside there was no one waiting for a taxi but I understood we would probably have to wait a long time for one. Teresa suggested a bus but the one we would need had a long line waiting for it. Teresa had an idea and she guided me back through the mall to the other side where we were dropped off in the morning. We crossed a couple streets that were bumper to bumper with cars and after a 5-minute wait we were on a Sabaneta bus that turned right at the next corner and we were on Ave. Las Vegas. We got off at Eduardo Madrid and walked the last two blocks in a light drizzle to the apt.

Daniel sent me the address of his new barber shop and it isn’t anywhere near me. Sorry! Now I have to find a new barber, hopefully an English speaking one.

For supper we went to Antica Pizza. The Didi cost 12,500 pesos to get there (busy time?) and the taxi back only cost 7mil.

 

Funny pix of the day

Thursday, June 16, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, fell asleep quickly, got up once during the night, again at 4:30, catnapped until I got up for good at 7am.

Last night I forgot to plug in my cellphone for recharging. It was at 17% and it took an hour and a half to reach 100%.

At 9am I was comfortably seated, in my pajamas, on the recliner to watch the 3^rd hearing of the January 6^th riot. Teresa had already left for a massage and a gym class so I was looking forward to two hours without distraction. I was tuned to CNN when at 9:15 I saw that the hearing wasn’t going to start until 11am. Time to go to plan B.

I took a Didi to the mall where I printed some chess notes, paid our Claro bills, had a quick latte in Todo Fresa, bought 2 bags of milk and returned to the apt just before 11am. They actually didn’t start the hearing until about noon.

Honorable Luttig, “Donald Trump and his supporters are a clear and present danger to democracy”.

Donald Trump and his lawyer John Eastman should go to jail for attempting to defraud the people of the United States of their lawful votes. (My opinion)

Teresa informed me that Dr. Costano’s secretary called as he won’t be available next Friday so she wants me to see him tomorrow. I explained to Teresa that I need to have my PSA blood test done first. Just to complicate things Teresa told me next Monday is a holiday. Tell me when my next appointment is and I’ll get my blood test a few days before.

For supper I ordered chicken wings from Rocket Wings.

I finished season 1 of Bosch: Legacy on MTV. Unfortunately, season 2 isn’t available now. ☹

Yesterday, on my way to Parque Envgado I came across this new restaurant with an interesting name:

Funny pix of the day

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, fell asleep quickly, got up once more during the night, got up again at 5:30, got up for good at 6:45.

As I got up Teresa was on her way out to the gym. I understand he will have breakfast with a friend at Los Porteños then hustle back to the apt for someone who will come to give her an injection.

I will have breakfast with Glenn at Los Porteños then I have to pay the Direct TV bill. I will first try the Gana kiosk at the west end of La Buena Mesa and if that doesn’t work then I will have to go to $efecty in Parque Envigado.

Teresa and I left together about 8:15. I first had her stop with me at the Gana kiosk and ask about Direct TV but they don’t accept those payments. She had a ham sandwich and latte at Los Porteños and I had a small latte. Glenn showed up at 9am and Teresa soon returned to the apt. Glenn told me about his search on Amazon for a 2-4 terabyte USB drive. He researched it quite and bit and came to the conclusion that it was a scam. We’ve made plans to visit Gloria’s Waffle House at 8:30am Saturday morning (they are closed Sundays).

I walked 9 blocks to $efecty where I paid the June Direct TV bill. Outside I ran into Marcos who was shopping for sandals. (Later I texted him I bought my sandals for 200mil in Decathalon.) I walked back to La Buena Mesa where I had coffee in Parva. On my way back to the apt I stopped in Tienda D1 where I bought the last package of arepas for 1,050 that Teresa wanted.

The rain started about 1:30 so we went to take a nap. The rain must have stopped by 2:15 because that’s when we heard a guy “singing” in the street, which woke us up. Rain continued later in the afternoon.

The medic arrived at 5:30 and gave Teresa her injection for her bones. I understand it is to be repeated every 6 months.

 

Funny pix of the day

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, rain started 10 minutes later, fell asleep quickly, got up once more during the night, still raining (actually a downpour), got up again at 5:30 (still raining), got up for good at 6:15 (rain had finally stopped).

Teresa wants me to go to the mall early and make a copy of something so she can give it to someone else early. I don’t understand the details but Auros doesn’t open until 8am and I understand she doesn’t yet have the paper she wants copied. I guess I’ll find our more soon.

I left the apt just before 8am and took a Didi to the mall. Exito still had its gates down so I went up to the banking area where my CS debit card gave me a “transaccion con problemas intente luego” message. No problem with my USAA debit card so I made a large withdrawal (peso currently over 3,900/USD.) Back downstairs I had Teresa’s copies made and printed some chess notes. I picked up broccoli, apples, and potatoes in Exito and was back in the apt by 8:30.

I left at 9am and found Glenn at Los Porteños. We chatted for about 15 minutes and in that time his order didn’t arrive and no one came out to ask me if I wanted anything. I checked online and the next January 6^th hearing is Thursday so Glenn and I can still meet for breakfast tomorrow.

I walked around the corner to Parva where coffee is cheaper, service is better, and I have more room to spread out. We had a rain shower that lasted 10-15 minutes. I left about 11:15 and bought a package of arepas for Teresa in Tienda D1 on my way back to the apt.

A muchacho showed up about noon, Teresa gave him the paperwork and he handed her a hypodermic needle with medicine.

I had some problems uploading a couple of photos to yesterday’s blog but I finally got it fixed.

Teresa finally got through to Direct TV and found out that this month’s fee is the same as last month.

I left the apt at 2:30 but by the time I was at the entrance to the garage it was raining. Back at the apt it stopped 20 minutes later.

We decided we would go see Memoryless Killer (5.6) starring Liam Neeson in Oviedo at 6:10.

We left at 5pm and took a Didi to the Carulla side of Oviedo mall. We waited in a short line (one person with a cart full of groceries) only to find out I can’t pay our Direct TV bill there.

We took an elevator up to the 4^th floor where I bought 2 preferred seating tickets to the 6:10 show for 14,300 pesos ($3.75) each. We went down to the basement level to buy sandwiches at Subway only to discover the store was gone. Back upstairs on level 3 we bought burgers to go at El Corral. Back at the theater there was now a long line at concessions. We bought sodas and a small popcorn and the movie started shortly after we reached our seats. We ate our burgers in the dark.

The movie was pretty good with lots of action.

After the movie we returned to the apt by 8:30 by taxi just in time for Teresa to see most of her favorite Desafio program.

 

Funny pix of the day

Monday, June 13, 2022

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, fell asleep quickly, was awakened at 12:30 by Teresa’s snoring, changing my position only stopped her for a minute, moved with my pillow and blanket to the guest bedroom, got up once more during the night, woke/got up at 7am.

Teresa left at 9am for a massage then getting her hair done so I will be on my own for lunch.

I watched the 2^nd January 6^th hearing and commentary on ABC.

On Didi they didn’t have Philly Steaks new location so I left the apt at 12:45 and took a Didi to Hija Mia Nomada. I walked across the street and took a seat under their tent. 

A man was finishing installing a new TV system called Magic Genie TV which I understand is just a box for a one-time charge of $125. They had the Australia vs Peru soccer game on and it had the same occasional buffering problem I have experienced.

I had their smash burger and a Coke and chatted with the owner Carmine for a bit. The Australian talked to him about his attempt to make and sell salted pretzels.

The charge was 33mil and I tipped the waitress 5mil. I walked 2 blocks away to Pequeña Gran Libreria where I played 2 games of chess for 5mil with the owner.

He wasn’t very good and played very slowly and I won both games.

Teresa called and asked me to meet her and MT at Viva Envigado as they wanted yogurt.

I walked 5 blocks away to Donisima donuts (Carrera 43D #10-77) which I found was next to the radio station my brother and I visited some years ago.

Of course the donut I chose for 5mil had arequipe inside and a large dab on top and was very messy to eat. I still prefer the cake donuts coated with sugar.

A block away I quickly caught a taxi to the mall. The ladies had already finished their yogurt. They went to check on something and I went to Todo Fresa and Santa Leña only to find there were no seats available. I walked toward the metro entrance and found Su’s Cookies wasn’t open. I went up to the 3^rd floor where I had coffee at Coffee Market next to the car sales area.

Looking down on a new play area in the atrium:

The ladies joined me and after they had coffee and shared a cookie we left in a taxi.

I like Michael Moore’s suggestion for a revised 2^nd amendment, “Congress shall have a well-regulated system for the extremely limited ownership of firearms and weapons, and they will make laws regarding ammunition, capacity, storage, locks, registration, the vetting of the owner, strict minimum-age requirements, all of which are necessary to the security of a free state and the right of the people to be kept safe from gun violence. The people’s right to not be shot, or threatened, by those who bear arms shall not be infringed.”

Speaking of James Patterson, I came across this today:

From the balcony through the clouds I saw a bright flashing light about 60 degrees off the horizon. I watched it for a couple minutes but a little later it was gone.

On the news it appears Australia beat Peru in a shootout.

 

Funny pix of the day