Thursday, June 29, 2023

Last night I went to bed at 9:45pm, got up twice during the night, finally waking/getting up at 6:45am.

I upgraded our room at Athenian Riviera Hotel & Suites to a Classic Double with Extra Bedroom for the 2 nights for an extra 22 Euros which is about $24.

I met Marcos at Parva at 9am for coffee for about an hour. He assured me there will be no problem finding ATMs in Europe to withdraw Euros. And it sounds like the electric plug adapter is all I need for converting from 110V to 220V. I stayed another 30 minutes or so then decided I’d better return to the apt to continue work on our vacation. (I stopped in Eduardo Madrid and bought a sleeve of 6 sesame seed bagels for 16,800 pesos ($4).)

I changed our September 11^th to 12^th reservation near the airport from St. Thomas Bed & Breakfast to Helen (9.6) with a noon-1pm check-in and 6am check-out and reserve a taxi to take us to the airport.

I showed Teresa the trailer for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (7.0) and she wants to see it. The next showtime is at 6pm. I mentioned that today is the premiere and I don’t know how crowded it will be but the weekends are guaranteed to be busy.

About 4:30 she suggested we see the movie. I told her I could go early and buy tickets and she wouldn’t have to leave the apt until 5:30. If I had any problem with it being too crowded, I could buy tickets for tomorrow night. She then decided that tomorrow night would be better anyway.

I took a Didi to the mall and stopped first at La Sasteria where I dropped off my already altered pants and the other pair. I asked the chica to make the new pair 1 centimeter longer. Then I tried to impress her by telling her that there are 2.54 centimeters to an inch. She didn’t understand so I showed her one side of her measuring tape in inches and the other in centimeters and marked off an inch and showed her the centimeter side and it was about 2 ½ centimeters. She still didn’t understand. Well, so much for trying to impress her with my mathematics knowledge. I understand my pants will be ready for pickup Tuesday afternoon for 11mil ($2.75).

I stopped at Auros and had my Helen hotel and taxi confirmations printed.

In Cine Colombia there was no crowd and I bought 2 preferred seats to tomorrow’s 6pm showtime for 40,200 pesos ($10).

I easily found a small table in Urbania. I ordered a latte, a slice of carrot cake, and a glass of ice water. The waiter brought me a small latte and I commented how small it was but then said, “no preocupes”.

A few minutes later he brought me a tiny latte and told me it was complimentary.

I had a laugh over that and thanked him very much.

Later I ordered another small latte to finish my carrot cake.

I went through the confirmations I had just printed and realized something was lacking in both.

I left about 6:15 and paid 30,156 pesos, including tip, for my carrot cake and lattes.

I stopped upstairs in the Totto store where I found a few backpacks. The business one I thought would fit my laptop is 15.4” diagonal for 329,900 pesos ($80). It has a hidden pocket, a rain cover, a latch for hooking the backpack to wheeled luggage and other niceties.

I bought a large carton of eggs in Exito before returning to the apt by taxi.

Back at the apt I measured my notebook and I think I may need 17” diagonal. ☹

I found confirmation that we can enter Helen between noon and 1pm and corrected the taxi pickup from noon/midnight to 6am. I created a screen print of those confirmations and copied them to my USB for printing.

Tomorrow I’m going to start paying the July bills and I just realized I never received an epm bill for June. ☹

 

America’s Decline into Idiocy

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Last night I went to bed at 9:45pm, got up once at 4am, again at 3:30, couldn’t fall back asleep, got up at 4am, finally waking/getting up at 7am.

My back feels a little stiff when I get up, probably because it’s been 24 hours since I last took a Calendula capsule, even though it’s 800mg. After I take another the discomfort goes away in what, 2 minutes?

Troyclough resigned our game and my rating increased to 1593.

I completed my usual workout in Smartfit. If I had to identify one area of my body that’s most sore after a workout, surprisingly I would say my knees. 😊

I left about 2pm and took a Didi to the mall. I had little problem exchanging my stained shirt for another of the same size. I stopped at La Sasteria and picked up my altered pants for 13mil. In Urbania I had a latte until about 4pm when I returned to the apt by taxi.

Kelly arrived a couple minutes later to give Teresa a massage.

Laura bought her plane tickets so we’ve been exchanging texts on and off all day. She’ll be arriving to Athens the day before the wedding and will leave at almost the same time and on the same day we will return to Madrid.

I watched a couple more episodes of The Americans.

I modeled all my new shirts, shorts, and altered pants for Teresa. She suggested I go up another size from my L for large. I showed her all the space I have in front of my shirt and on my shoulders and suggested I go down to a M. She says she’s afraid they will shrink in the wash. She suggested I try on a M in H&M before I decide for sure. Good idea.

 

America’s Decline into Idiocy

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Last night I went to bed at 9:45pm, got up once during the night, again at 3:30, couldn’t fall back asleep, got up at 4am, returned to bed at 4:45, finally waking/getting up at 6:30.

I left the apt at 7:45 and walked to the mall. I recycled a couple items then took a seat in Al Alma café. I had their French toast with caramelized bananas and strawberries. With a couple lattes and the tip the check came to 46,800 pesos ($11.50).

Jose soon called me so I headed upstairs. I hadn’t even finished getting things set up when he arrived.

I had the Black pieces in the first game and I got a strong attack and checkmated him in 40 moves.

Breakfast was all sugar and carbohydrates with no protein so I went and bought a large cold bottle of water (sin gas) for 6,900 pesos ($1.70).

I had the White pieces in the 2^nd game and he resigned on the 43^rd move in the endgame.

I went to Pergamino café and there were no table available (most everyone was working on a laptop). I ordered a granolada with yogurt and chia and a latte for 37,476 pesos ($9) including tip. I got lucky and found this spot on the other side of their counter.

Not much of a view though. 😊

I see today Chicago has the worst weather in the world due to fires blowing down from Canada.

I went into H&M where I found 2 of the 4 shirts that I have then holding for me in Arkadia mall.

I forgot to bring my receipt with me so I didn’t pick up my pants from the sasteria.

I bought milk, sugar, and a pack of large tortillas in Exito before returning to the apt by taxi.

Teresa texted me several times that she was still in Santafe mall with her friend Vicky.

About 7:30 I was walking out the door as Teresa came in. I took a Didi to Arkadia and after waiting in line for about 15 minutes I bought the 4 shirts for 305,900 pesos ($75). Outside I quickly caught a taxi back to the apt.

Teresa checked out my shirts and found 2 large ink stains on one of them. ☹ She said I should have no problem exchanging it in Viva Envigado’s H&M.

 

 

America’s Decline into Idiocy

 

Monday, June 26, 2023

Last night I went to bed at 9:45pm, got up once during the night, finally waking/getting up at 7am. The streets are wet so we must have had some rain overnight.

It’s a dark, overcast morning. Not a day I would like to venture out in but I must go to the gym.

Jose called and notified me he and his wife are going to a breakfast at 9am tomorrow in Poblado but after he’ll join me for chess in Viva Envigado.

I completed my usual workout in about 40 minutes. On the seated leg curl machine I concentrated on using my right leg and I did feel a stab of pain on the first couple reps. ☹

Teresa and I left the apt at 11am and took a Didi to Clinica Las Americas where she picked up one of her monthly medications. While I waited for her I had a latte in De Lolita café.

When Teresa came out about an hour later she had a latte also.

I explained to her I need some cooler shorts. I have many pairs but only 2 in my current size and they are too heavy for Greece.

We went next door to Arkadia mall where we had lunch in Crepes & Waffles

Wow, across the street I see they are installing solar panels on the roof of Pricesmart.

Notice the guy moving in the upper left corner.

We went into Falabella where I found a few pairs of light shorts but Teresa thought they would be less expensive in H&M. (By the way, I was unable to find the price on them.)

In H&M we found 3 pairs of light shorts and 4 light short-sleeve shirts. At the cashier, the total came to something like 620,000 pesos and I only had 400,000 on me and I didn’t bring my debit card. (For reasons I would rather not explain we’re going to be using cash for the next few months.) I bought the 3 pairs of shorts for 314,000 pesos ($76) and they will hold the shirts under my name until end of day tomorrow.

We returned to the apt by taxi.

Teresa got a massage from Kelly so I had a latte in Los Porteños for a couple hours.

When I returned I tried on the shorts and they seemed to fit fine. Tomorrow after chess I’ll check H&M to see if they have the same shirts or maybe something better.

My correspondence chess nemesis, Troyclough, wrote that he may take his wife to Cartagena next week and do I have any suggestions? I asked him for his email address.

 

America’s Decline into Idiocy

 

Sunday, June 25, 2023

Last night I went to bed at 9:45pm, got up twice during the night, woke up at 6am and got up at 7:30.

I left the apt at 8:30 and walked to Smartfit. Since I had my cellphone, I used their fancy scale to weigh myself. I’m down from 82.4 kilos to 79.3 kilos a loss of 6 ½ pounds in 2 months and my BMI is down from 24.9 to 23.9.

I continued on to Sao Paolo and went downstairs to the restaurant Olivenza. Glenn showed up a minute later with Bianca. I gifted him one of my banana breads. I told him the actor who played Jimmy in Yellowstone and the actress that played Ruth in Ozark, I saw them in a couple episodes of The Americans. He gave me some suggestions about my email accounts I’m having trouble with. He’s still having early morning stomach problems.

Troyclough resigned on his 22^nd move increasing my rating to 1587.

I bought a bag of Fab liquid detergent in Carulla that Teresa requested. I was going to take a bus back to La Buena Mesa but Ciclovia was using all the southbound lanes. Why didn’t I think of that earlier? I walked back to the apt.

Teresa left about 1:30 to take her mother to Santafe mall.

I changed my password on Yahoo and tried a couple other things and now I have email but they’re all in the “other” column with nothing on the “focused” side.

We had a couple short showers in the afternoon.

I watched a couple more episodes of The Americans until the buffering got too bad.

I watched Yesterday, a real feel-good movie, for the umpteenth time.

We had a couple short showers in the evening.

I read that the new Indiana Jones movie is about a search for the Antikythera mechanism, so we have a Greek connection.

Teresa returned at 8:15.

 

America’s Decline into Idiocy

 

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Last night I went to bed at 9:30pm, got up once during the night, waking/getting up at 7:15. Teresa asked me if I heard the downpour last night. I told her I didn’t remember until she reminded me that I got up and unplugged the television.

Teresa wants to go to El Complex Centro Commercial to look for a dress for the wedding so we’re back where we were 2 weeks ago when I waited all day for us to go.

I understand the mall doesn’t open until 10am. She wants us to pick up her mother first so she can go with us. I said, “fine” but then her mother didn’t answer Teresa’s calls.

I went to Eduardo Madrid, had a latte, bought the 2 loaves of preordered banana bread for 32mil, and returned to the apt.

Teresa and I left just before noon and took a Didi to El Complex Los Balsos mall in Poblado. We wandered around a bit looking at dress stores (most were dresses for rent) but Teresa didn’t find anything she liked.

We had a tasty lunch in Valentina bakery. We shared a chicken sandwich with a bowl of beet soup and she had a latte and I a coconut lemonade for a total of 77,137 pesos ($19) including tip.

I made plans to meet Jose on Tuesday for chess.

I made plans to meet Glenn tomorrow morning for breakfast in Olivenza in Sao Paolo mall at 9am.

We returned to the apt about 2pm by Didi.

In Los Porteños I had a large latte while going over some chess notes. We had some strong lightning and a short shower and I started feeling a little cool in my shorts and sleeveless t-shirt. I left about 4:30 and returned to the apt.

Teresa made plans to go to Santafe mall with her mother, who was supposed to be getting ready, but now she doesn’t answer her phone. Many times Wilson will return to the apt from work but MT doesn’t answer the door and he can’t get in with his keys because she left hers in the lock from the other side. In that case he either stays with Martha or sleeps on the stairs outside the apt.

 

America’s Decline into Idiocy

Friday, June 23, 2023

Last night I went to bed at 9:30pm, got up once at 3:30 (it was raining), waking/getting up at 6:30. Teresa told me it rained all night.

There are some tall trees at the end of our street. This morning I think they’re full of squawking green parrots.

Teresa informed me she’s going to spend the day with her mother but we can meet for lunch at La Bahia around 1pm.

I left the apt at 8:45 and walked to the mall. I picked up a Gente newspaper in Exito then headed up to the gym. I completed my usual exercises although some of them seemed a tad more difficult today. (For one of the exercises I swear I felt 2 bones rub against each other in my left wrist on every rep.)

After my shower I was dismayed when I realized I forgot to pack clean underwear.

I went downstairs to Urbania where I had a latte and killed a few hours waiting for Teresa to call. At 1pm I was getting hungry so I texted her asking when we’re going for lunch. One minute later she sent me a voice message, “Osados Rogelio porque something something something Tennis”. Only problem is I didn’t read it until 1:30. Another message said they’re having lunch at El Pastelito.

I went up to Only Roastbeef where I had their medium BBQ combo with a Coke.

I bought a couple bags of milk, waited in a slow line (a couple people had a lot more than the 10-item maximum) to pay and returned to the apt by taxi.

I watched a couple more episodes of The Americans.

I received a text message from Eduardo at Eduardo Madrid that my 2 banana breads are ready and I can pick them up tomorrow for 32mil.

Teresa had a massage from 5pm to 6pm.

 

America’s Decline into Idiocy

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Last night I went to bed at 9:30pm, got up twice during the night, again at 4am, did my Kegel exercises, couldn’t fall back asleep, got up at 4:30, took an allergy pill, worked some on the computer, returned to bed at 5:15, finally fell back asleep, getting up at 7:30am.

Newly opening in Cine Colombia, Viva Envigado today is Jennifer Lawrence starring in Hazem el Favor aka Do Me the Favor aka No Hard Feelings (6.9), running 1 hour and 43 minutes, playing at 1:20pm, 4:10pm, 6:40pm, and 9:15pm.

I left the apt about 9:30 and walked 3 blocks to the $efecty booth in the Servientrega store where I had no problem paying 152,100 pesos for our Direct TV account. I walked a block further where I had a latte in Canella for an hour or so before returning to the apt.

I watched a couple more episodes of The Americans.

I watched some news about the Oceangate submersible implosion.

Teresa and I left the apt just before 6pm and took a Didi to the mall. I added 100,000 pesos to my Cine Colombia card, bought 2 preferred tickets to No Hard Feelings (6.9) for 35,800 pesos ($8.50) and we still had a 30-minute wait until the 6:40 showtime. We sat at the last available table for a bit, I made a last run to the restroom, and we got in a concession line. I wanted my usual smallest popcorn with salt but Teresa wanted popcorn with sugar so I ordered a small popcorn half and half. I’ve seen them put a divider in the container to separate them but maybe that’s just with the large size because they put the salty on the bottom and the sugary on top. ☹ We each got a small soda and Teresa also got a hotdog for a total of 14,275 pesos ($3.50). In our seats I checked my Runpee app for the best time to make a trip to the restroom but I ended up not needing to. At one point in the movie Jennifer Lawrence had a nude scene on a beach but I missed most of it because Teresa’s phone, which I had in my fanny pack, received a call and I was trying to figure out how to turn off her phone. (Mine was turned off and also stored in my fanny pack.) Anyway, JL is too good an actress for such a stupid movie. (The only other name in the movie was Matthew Broderick.) I made another trip to the restroom and as I was washing my hands a woman came out of the first stall and left. (The way they have the restrooms laid out can be a little confusing.)

We returned to the apt by taxi.

 

America’s Decline into Idiocy

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Last night I went to bed at 9:30pm, got up once during the night, again at 5:15am, did my Kegel exercises, fell back asleep, finally getting up at 6:30am.

Today is the 1^st day of spring, at least in the northern hemisphere.

I completed my usual workout at Smartfit from about 9:15 to 10am.

Lots of communication between Teresa, Laura and I. Bottom line is Laura is going to gift her engagement and wedding rings to Teresa when we see her in Greece. There’s more to the story but nothing I can repeat now. 

I left the apt about 2pm and took a Didi to the mall. I first inquired at the Western Union outside Exito if I could pay my Tigo/Une bill there but they directed me to their 2^nd floor location. I took the back way and was surprised to see people seated inside. I took a number from the turn machine, B22, and they were serving 18. It took about half an hour for my turn to come up and I had no problem paying the Tigo/Une bill. The guy then looked up my Direct TV account and said I had to pay 304,200 pesos, double the 152,100 I was expecting. #1. I don’t know why I would have to pay for 2 months #2. I didn’t have that much cash with me and I didn’t bring my debit card.

I went downstairs and had a latte in Urbania. I checked some of my travel notes and exchanged texts with Laura. It looks like she’ll be joining us for the Greece part of our trip. I’ve determined that each place we’re staying has a hair dryer so the ladies don’t need to bring one. Also, all of the places were staying have room for a 3^rd person except the most expensive, Athenian Riviera Hotel & Suites which it looks like we can upgrade for about $60 or so. Also, our last full day there, Monday September 11^th to Tuesday, September 12^th at St. Thomas Bed & Breakfast we would need to upgrade to a different room but Laura may be leaving the day before so that may not be necessary.

I contacted Marcos about coffee tomorrow but unfortunately his doctor says he has to rest his foot.

I returned to the apt by taxi.

I gave Teresa the bad news about our Direct TV bill but she called them and they said I only owe  the usual 152,100 pesos so I’ll try again tomorrow.

Teresa had a massage from 4pm to 5pm.

I messed up my opening with the Black pieces against Troyclough and now I’m fighting for a draw.

 

America’s Decline into Idiocy

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, got up once during the night, again at 5:15am, did my Kegel exercises, DIDN’T fall back asleep, finally getting up at 5:30am.

I think my cold is just about over.

Booking.com contacted me by email and my reservation with Athina Apartments has been cancelled without charge. I’m now considering a place titled Relaxing Beautiful Holiday Home for $136 for 2 nights, a 10-minute ride to the Lavrio port. It’s near beaches but not towns so I might consider renting a car.

I hear Teresa suddenly say, “How are you?”. She’s listening to something on her cellphone; it says she can learn English in 3 months. Yeah, go for it!

I booked the house in Lavrio, Greece for 2 nights for approximately $136 to be payable later, the exact amount depending on the currency exchange rate at the time.

At 8:30 I packed my formal shoes and my new beige linen pants into my gym bag and took a Didi to the mall. I recycled a few plastic bottles then got in a slow line at Auros. I printed my most recent booking confirmation, Relaxing Beautiful Holiday Home and some chess notes. The sasteria (tailor shop) still wasn’t open so I bought a blueberry muffin at Starbucks and ate it with a latte in Urbania. I left at 10:15, had my pants measured for alteration in La Sasteria for 13mil ($3.15) and they will be ready on Saturday. I bought 2 bags of milk, a jar of coffee, and 2 bananas...

This is what i noticed while waiting in line. Those notices should reduce the sales of these potato chips:

... and returned to the apt by taxi.

I forgot to pay the wifi and Direct TV bills so I’ll probably take care of that tomorrow afternoon.

I finished installing the corner guards on the bed and returned the screwdriver and leftover screws to the garage storage area.

I left the apt at 12:45 and took a Didi to Mayorca. The driver dropped me off on the old side but I made my way to the new side and up 2 floors and met Teresa already sitting in Mundo Verde. She had her usual salmon with side orders of broccoli and avocado and I had a Cesar salad. With each of our juices the total came to 116,798 ($28), including tip.

We did some shopping and Teresa found a couple t-shirts in Under Armour for 209,975 ($51). We did a little more shopping but didn’t find anything and we returned to the apt by taxi.

I love my new Capital One account which so far has worked for me flawlessly.

I downloaded the Google Translate app (GT) to Teresa’s cellphone and gave her a quick lesson on how to find it: 1. Press the Home button. 2. Swipe up. 3. Push the GT icon. I had to correct her not to swipe up from the Home button but above it. Then I demonstrated how it works and how if she pauses, GT thinks she’s done speaking. I also pointed out she has to make sure GT understands what she said correctly. She accidentally pressed the wrong button once and saw all of the dozens of languages that GT supports. I demonstrated what translating from Spanish to Greek would sound and look like and she was a little freaked out by the strange alphabet. We spent at least 30 minutes practicing and I heard the story again of how her husband died of prostate cancer after waiting until it metastasized and he only lived 5 more months. And how losing a spouse is hard but losing a child is worse, especially when her son Sebastian died so suddenly.

I watched another episode of The Americans.

 

America’s Decline into Idiocy

Monday, June 19, 2023

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, got up once during the night, again around 6am, did my Kegel exercises, fell back asleep, finally waking/getting up at 8am.

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

I completed my usual routine in Smartfit and noted a number of exercises where I will be increasing the weight in 2 weeks. On the seated leg curl machine I didn’t feel any discomfort over my right knee which means either I’m subconsciously cheating by letting my left leg do most of the work or my tendon/ligament is getting used to the movement. I also didn’t notice any leaking today so that’s another good thing.

Just found out the cruise I thought was leaving from the port Pireaus is leaving from a port named Lavrio which is 48 kilometers away. I’ll be changing our room reservation for Wednesday, September 6^th thru Friday, September 8^th to something closer.

About 2pm (it was 84 degrees on our balcony) I put on my new (bought months ago) H&M stretch shorts with a sleeveless t-shirt and walked to Los Porteños where I had a latte and completed a few chess puzzles. I felt much more comfortable the way I was dressed; I think that might be my new afternoon uniform until we hit the rainy season again.  Often I am the only one at this restaurant in the afternoon but because today is a holiday they were quite busy. At one point I saw a small bird land in front of a door entrance next to me. It looked like a dove and since it didn’t move from there I figured it was a baby. A man came, caught it and put it on a branch of a tree. When I left, I took this quick photo of it

but when it hopped to a different branch further from me I figured it was best to leave it alone.

I returned to the apt and Teresa informed me that Kelly didn’t show up.

Online I booked a haircut with Daniel for Saturday, July 1^st at 9am.

I requested Booking.com to cancel my Wednesday, September 6^th to Friday, September 8^th reservation at Athina Apartments in the Piraeus port area.

I don’t know what I did but I don’t see any of my yahoo emails on my laptop, only my cellphone. ☹

I ordered a fancy set of cookware from Jeannie & Jacob’s registry for their wedding gift, but forgot to sign the card. ☹

 

America’s Decline into Idiocy

Sunday, June 18, 2023

Last night I went to bed at 9:30, got up once during the night, finally waking/getting up at 6:15.

Today is Father’s Day!

Teresa and I left the apt at 8:15 and took a Didi to Hija Mia Nomada. Teresa had some kind of eggs on bread and I had their Acai bowl. I explained some things to her about our trip to Europe, but she doesn’t seem to care what choice I make about our cruise cabin, leaving it up to me.

Jeff Mullen challenged me to 4 games on Chess.com and I won them all within 12 to 21 moves.

We took another Didi to El Tesoro mall where she looked for more clothes for our trip to Europe. She found a dress in Zara for 499,800 pesos ($120) that we both liked. She showed me this purse and told me the “buttons” you see on it are what she wanted to purchase in El Huceo.

We had lunch in J&C Delicias. This is Teresa sitting at our Father’s Day table:

She shopped some more but we couldn’t agree on anything.

We left at 3pm and returned to the apt by taxi.

We left again at 4pm and took a Didi to the mall. I bought 2 preferred tickets to La Historia de una Mujer aka The Story of My Wife (6.3) for 35mil ($8). (Only 13 more movies this year and I qualify for the Platinum Card next year. 😊) I bought their smallest popcorn combo (look how they overfill it)

The theater was pretty packed which surprised me a little but it was a weekend and Father’s Day. The movie was 2 hours and 50 minutes long and I was a little surprised when Teresa volunteered that she liked it. I had a little problem when they spoke what sounded a little like German but later I saw the original title is in Hungarian. At least the Spanish subtitles helped me out. I was surprised I was able to sit through 3+ hours without a trip to the restroom. I even drank most of a small Coke.

Looks like we’ll have some good movies coming up in each of the next few weeks.

Outside the mall here was a long line for taxis but the line went pretty fast.

 

America’s Decline into Idiocy

Saturday, June 17, 2023

Last night I went to bed at 9:45, got up twice during the night, finally waking/getting up at 7:30.

So, Teresa isn’t going to the finca today but she wants to go to El Hueco (downtown Medellin) for something. She’s waiting to hear from Esmeralda as to the name of the store.

I finally heard from the cruise line we want to use in September. Seems their emails got sent to my spam or something but I still don’t know where my spam is or why their email got through now. At first all I saw were 4-10-day Greek cruises but finally they offered the September 8^th-11^th weekend cruise. Of course, the prices are up about $120 over what I had seen originally.

About 11:30 we had a short shower. Again, at noon.

Well, another Saturday morning wasted waiting on Teresa. ☹

I’ve been watching a 2-hour+ YouTube video trying to learn more about my sophisticated ChessBase 16 software

Teresa had a massage from Kelly from 4 to 5pm.

We had a couple more mild showers but they didn’t last long.

Teresa said she wanted to go for patacones but a few minutes later was too tired.

I watched a couple more episodes of The Americans until the buffering got too bad.

At one point I heard some screaming in the neighborhood so someone must have scored in some soccer game.

Teresa was tired so she went to bed at 8:30.

 

America’s Decline into Idiocy

Friday, June 16, 2023

Last night I went to bed at 9:45, got up once during the night at 3:15, again at 6:15, did my Kegel exercises, fell back asleep finally waking/getting up at 7:30.

Running a little behind schedule I left the apt just after 9am. I picked up a Gente newspaper I found in the porteria then continued on to the mall.  I recycled a few items then completed my workout in Smartfit. I completed another line in my notebook but I’m going to do another 2 weeks with the same weights because I missed Monday.

 I stepped outside to cool down before my shower then ran into Chris Cajoleas on my way back inside. He’s soon heading to Brazil for a vacation with his wife. He explained that his wife, despite several reminders from him, let her 10-year US Tourist Visa expire. ☹

I took my shower then cooled down outside for a few more minutes.

I made a small ATM withdrawal, paid for our cellphone plans in Claro, then had a latte in Santa Leña while going through the newspaper.

I left about 11:30, bought something for Teresa in Medipiel and returned to the apt by taxi.

Teresa returned about 12:30 with 2 (small) bags of groceries she said she won in some drawing. 😊

I informed Teresa I’m not going to join her for the finca tomorrow but Sunday, for Father’s Day, we’ll do breakfast and a movie.

Teresa’s supposed to have a massage today but Kelly doesn’t answer her phone.

I left the apt about 3pm and had a small latte in Los Porteños for about 2 hours.

I downloaded the Twitch app to my cellphone and logged in. I watched the end of a game IFM Anna Cramling was playing OTB (over the board).

I just pinned Troyclough’s queen against his king so I should win this game.

I received an email from my ex- that my new driver’s license arrived. I asked her to send it to my ship forwarding address in Florida.

Teresa’s supposed to go to a finca tomorrow but Daniela doesn’t answer her phone. Teresa confessed that if a Colombian doesn’t want to tell you something they just don’t answer the phone.

Troyclough resigned our game increasing my rating to 1590.

I have slight numbness at the tips of the 2 smallest fingers of my left hand, the same one that has a little arthritis.

I think Teresa finally talked to Daniela who she it’s better to go during the week since this is Father’s Day weekend.

I felt a little twinge in my lower back as I leaned over my chess table. Not sure if this is my back problem returning despite me taking my new pills or if it’s a nothing burger. Time will tell.

 

America’s Decline into Idiocy

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Last night I went to bed at 9:15, got up once during the night, again at 5:15 (that’s what happens when you go to bed at 9:15), did my Kegel exercises, fell back asleep finally waking/getting up at 7am.

We haven’t been to Pricesmart since April 26^th so Teresa says it’s time. I informed her I’m having coffee with Marcos at 9am so we decided to go right after lunch.

I met Marcos at Parva and got several of my travel questions answered: 1. Each Air BnB should have a hair dryer so Teresa doesn’t need to bring one but I need to confirm that. 2. For a long-haul flight neck pillows are worth having. 3. In Madrid there is an electronics store Vodafone (Puerta del sol, 13, 28013) very close to our hostel where we can buy sim cards and electric plug adapters. 4. I need to rethink bringing my laptop. 5. I need to think about how I’m going to use my 110V shaver in a 220V Europe. 6. My cellphone uses a USB-C cable so I’ll need an adaptor for it. Teresa’s cellphone uses a USB-A cable so I can use the adaptor Marcos loaned me for hers.

For new movies playing in Cine Colombia, My Wife’s Story aka The Story of My Wife (6.3) is playing at 4:50pm and 8:40pm.

The family that lives in the apartment directly across the street has 2 dogs, a white husky and an older white labrador. One-night last week the husky was out on their balcony howling for quite some time. I thought it was just because he was alone. Now I don’t see the white lab any longer so I think maybe it died and the husky was in mourning.

Teresa wasn’t feeling well because of the medicine (chemo) she takes every afternoon. I told her we could go another afternoon but she soon felt better. We left the apt at 2:45 and took a Didi to Pricesmart. While I was downstairs retrieving a cart, I wanted to recycle a few items but the recycling area was gone. Back upstairs we picked up 1,084,732 pesos ($259.36) of groceries including 3 turkey breasts.

Outside the cashier area Teresa wanted a latte at their café. She then took out the cake we just bought and we dug in with spoons she got from the cashier.

Downstairs it was a short wait for a taxi to return us to our apt. Porteros still won’t let taxis unload in the garage so we had to switch things from the taxi to a cart in the parking lot.

Well, that was interesting. I was watching CNN when Teresa saw on her cellphone, they found the dog that was with the 4 children found in the jungle. She didn’t know if it was true or not so she asked me to put on Colombian news. For a change I didn’t close out IPTV but just switched from HDM4 to HDM1 and Teresa could see her program but I could still hear the CNN audio on my headphones. I could still here it later when I turned off the TV. 😊

Teresa informed me that because Sunday is Father’s Day, we’re going to move the finca trip to Saturday.

 

America’s Decline into Idiocy

 

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Last night I went to bed at 9:45, got up once during the night, finally waking/getting up at 7:15.

I received an email from PasarEx, I think my Amazon order is out for delivery.

I completed my typical exercise routine at Smartfit from 9:15 to 10am.

Teresa was going to the gym then meeting a friend at Santafe mall so I’ll be on my own for lunch.

I finally was able to copy the text PasarEx sent me:

We are pleased to inform you that your shipment with guide AMZPSR005002901 sent by Amazon is en route for delivery during the day at the following address CARRERA 46A #29SUR-20 - BLOCK 6 APTO 422 ENVIGADO For your peace of mind, you can track the transit and delivery of your shipment, through any of the communication channels that we have enabled: call center, email, chat, consultation and tracking portal https://clientes.pasarex.com/ .

I left the apt about 1:30 and had chicken breast in Asado Rogelio. Here’s my lunch.

Oops, I forgot to take the photo in time.

I stopped in the Pasteur pharmacy but they didn’t have any Man pads. I went around the corner to Parva for coffee. I didn’t notice any changes so maybe they had an infrastructure, like plumbing, problem.

I left about 3:30 and walked to another another pharmacy named La Farma where I found a small 10-pack of Tena Dia Man pads for 29mil. I ran into Mark, the Boston fireman, having a gelato outside Antonio’s. I bought a couple bags of milk before returning to the apt.

As I walked into the porteria the portero said “wait a minute” and handed me my package.

I had ordered 2 bottles of Secrets of the Tribe pot (meaning the plant was raised in a pot?) marigold from Amazon (120 800mg capsules each) on June 8^th for $50.99 (expensive!) to be sent directly to my address in Envigado. The $9.32 shipping and handling were waved as part of a FREE shipping promo. They shipped on June 9^th from Euclid, OH with a delivery estimate of June 17^th but the 0.25Kg package arrived today. I’m going to start using them right away to see if they work as well as my Piping Rock brand. Since these are 800mg and I had been taking 400mg twice a day, Ill try taking them once a day and see how that works.

I used my new screws to install 2 of the corner guards to the bed.

I watched some CNN.

Teresa returned at 5:30.

Teresa went to bed at 9pm and I a few minutes later at 9:15.

 

America’s Decline into Idiocy

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

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

I lost another game to Troyclough ☹ dropping my rating to 1585.

Teresa wants to go to her friend Anna Maria’s finca on Sunday so she can show her her decorated jackets.

I walked to the mall in my convertible pants. Jose was already there and we had our usual breakfast in Habia Una Vez.

Upstairs we played two games which both ended in a draw by repetition.

Before he left, he informed me he won’t be available for a few weeks because he has to help his son move back to Florida. He’ll let me know when he is back in Medellin. (His son sold everything in Florida, moved his wife and child here, decided he didn’t like it and now wants to return to the States.)

This is what the atrium mall currently looks like

I went around the corner to Pergamino where I had their Granolada with a large latte.

Teresa texted me and asked me to pick up Fab for her. In Exito I had no problem finding the laundry detergent but they didn’t have the Day man pads only the Night so I’ll pick them up at the pharmacy tomorrow.

I returned to the apt by taxi.

I checked the baggage requirements for Air Europa and Aegean Airlines and I think the maximum common to both are, per person:

1.  1 piece (suitcase) up to 23kg (50.6#)

2.  1 carry-on up to 8kg (17.6#) up to 115cm (55cm x 35cm x 25cm)

3.  1 personal item – women’s/men’s handbag or thin laptop case

I’m thinking I’ll buy a carry-on for Teresa in the largest acceptable size and for me I’ll buy a backpack in the largest acceptable size to carry my laptop with its accessories and hopefully my toiletries.

I watched some CNN for an hour or so.

 

America’s Decline into Idiocy

Monday, June 12, 2023

Last night I went to bed at 9:45, got up once during the night, finally waking at 5:30 and getting up at 6am.

On the Chess.com channel a young lady was trying to solve an easy crossword puzzle. I enrolled in Twitter in order to help her.

I received an email from Charles Schwab that they have completed my account closure request.

Since I was going to miss a gym day, I did a few exercises with my 7# dumbbell.

Teresa and I left at 8am and met Daniela (Vicky’s daughter) and Amelia (Daniela’s daughter) outside the porteria. We first stopped at a Texaco station where she filled up for 123,490 ($29.54). I paid for the toll to use the tunnel for 18,100 pesos. Five minutes the other side of the tunnel we stopped for breakfast at Parador Rancho Alegre which is our usual stop for almojabanas. I hadn’t had breakfast so I had calentao with scrambled eggs and a café con leche. I surprised myself by finishing it all, except the arepa with cheese that comes with it.

The highway is much improved over the 2-lane road we had a few years ago.

Daniela parked next to the little church and it was only a short block to Hosteria de la Plaza Menor. 

We took spots next to the smaller and more private pool.

Amelia is about 9 years old and I gave her some tips on swimming. She can only swim about 6-10 feet but it’s nice she isn’t afraid of the water.

For lunch I ordered the cazuela and I wasn't exactly thrilled with it.

I found the water inlet on one side of the pool and wondered if there was one on the other side. Yikes! It’s a vacuum which almost swallowed my hand. Dangerous! I mentioned this to another couple there (they spoke English) and they were aware and warry of it too. Later, another couple arrived and at one point I saw the woman in the shallow end clutching her stomach. I understood she experienced it in not a nice way.

About 6pm I paid the bills of 163,600 ($39.20) which strangely was billed to Mariposas y Suenos (Butterflies and dreams). Pretty cheap for 3 ½ people.

I suggested we go for ice cream so we dropped off our stuff in the trunk of the car and I led them to the heladoria next to the church. They moved the ice cream station from the atrium to closer to the front. I inquired about one flavor and was told it was brownie. We took seats outside that were very stuffy. Teresa called a guy to our table and I ordered a cone with one scoop of brownie but was told they didn’t have it. ☹ The ladies wanted waffle and they didn’t have that either.

I obviously got a little burned on my front today; I had spf cream with me, I just didn’t use it because I was only in the pool, not trying to tan myself. ☹

We left and Daniela led us a block away to La Colonia which had a nice indoor patio with a nice breeze (helped by a couple of nearby fans). I had an oreo malt

the others had Belgium waffles and Teresa loved hers with arequipe and ice cream. Teresa and I also shared a bottle of water. I paid the bill of 79,200 pesos ($19).

It was a chore getting them all out of the restaurant (not sure who they were talking too).

We returned to Medellin, again I paid the tunnel fare of 18,100 pesos. Daniela dropped us off at a church by Avenida 80 and Calle 33 and asked us to order an Uber. Something about her having a 9:30 class tomorrow morning. I didn’t care for that. I ordered a Didi and it took about 15 minutes to arrive. We finally arrived back to the apt by 10pm. The entire day cost me a little over $100 which isn’t too bad considering there were four of us.

 

America’s Decline into Idiocy