Monday, September 29, 2025

Last night I took my Diphenhydramine and Zopiclona tablets and went to bed at 10pm, took a little while to fall asleep, got up once during the night, finally waking/getting up at 6:15. Teresa wasn’t up yet so I went back to bed until she got up at 7:15.

This is the day my dermatologist said would be the end of my rash problem. We’ll see; so far so good.

The good news is I didn’t get a cramp in my thigh overnight and it no longer feels tight. 😊

I lost a game to Troyclough lowering my rating to 1555.

I left the apt at 8:30 and walked to Smartfit. First, I sent Teresa a photo of their current class schedule. I was mainly able to stick to my usual workout routine order. As I was finishing on my last machine I noticed Daniel walk by but soon he disappeared so I left. I guess chess will be another day.

I was having a latte in Ganso y Castor when a woman stopped in front of my table. She was holding 3 books in her hand and I told her I just came from the gym and didn’t have any money with me. I think she was with Jehovah’s Witness.

Teresa called and asked me to buy pasta in Ara on the way back to the apt and I had to tell her I don’t have any extra money with me.

I left at 10:30 and returned to the apt.

I found Dreams Playa Bonita Panama all-inclusive including airfare for $5250 on Expedia, at least it’s $1000 less than Cancun.

Looking at all-inclusive resorts in Panama now.

We left the apt at 3pm and took a Didi to Clinica Medellin on Calle 7. Inside I tried to withdraw cash from a Servibanca ATM I’ve used many times in the past but it didn’t have enough cash. Across the street I tried a Bancolombia ATM but it told me it’s not taking debit cards. ☹ We went inside Cedimed and up to her doctor’s office and after a short wait Teresa informed me the doctor can take my credit card but it’s less expensive if we pay in cash. Teresa made an appointment for 10am tomorrow for her facial treatment and we took a taxi to Santafe mall. In Valentina’s we had lattes and shared a slice of what I call cheesecake but Teresa had a different name for it. I went to an ATM and withdrew 2,000,000 pesos, all 100s. Back in Valentina’s I ordered a slice of carrot cake and had another latte. The check came to 83,999 pesos and I paid in cash.

We left at 5:30, went down to the taxi area, took a seat in line and 30 minutes later we were in a taxi back to the apt.

This is my daughter Jeannie (on the left) with her best friend Joanne that she’s been friends with since they were about 5 years old. Joanne also had a baby girl about a month before Jeannie. Btw, they are holding the other’s baby.

 

FUNNY

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Last night I took my Diphenhydramine and Zopiclona tablets and went to bed at 10pm, took quite a while to fall asleep, got up once during the night, finally waking/getting up at 7am.

Teresa said it was too cold today and didn’t go with me to meet Glenn in Olivenza. We discussed many things and he gave me an email address I could use to contact executive support in Amazon: Jeff@Amazon.com.

I started looking at the Cancun resorts:

Flamingo (4*; $2,270pp): too crowded at buffets, poor WiFi.

Crown Paradise (5*; $2,890pp): oriented towards families with children.

Emporio Cancun (5*; $3,063pp): most positive reviews.

 

Seadust (5*; $3,100pp): Slightly oriented to families with children.

But, in review, it’s going to cost $600 a night which is too much but maybe that’s because I’m including airfare in the total price.

I found the Hotel Riu Republica - Adults only - All Inclusive in Punta Cana for $1963pp but Laura told me she was there last year and “it was all right”.

I opened my large bag of salted-in-the-shell peanuts and divided into four smaller bags. I ate one bag of peanuts with a Coke while watching the Bears sneak out a victory against the Las Vegas Raiders 25-24. We needed that, now we’re 2-2 going into the bye week.

I watched another episode of True Detective on Stremio.

Teresa returned at 7:30 and declared she was hungry. She suggested Chiclayo but luckily I checked online and they closed at 6pm. She then suggested Kusi again but they closed at 5pm. She suggested the Argentinian restaurant but neither of us know its name and if the others closed early on Sunday I’m pretty sure that one does also.

We walked down to McDonald’s so Teresa could get a burger. She grabbed a table while I got in line. There was a teenage couple right in front of me and the kid kissed his girlfriend every 30 seconds. Nothing sexy, just a peck on the lips. It was only interrupted once when he kissed her fingertips. I placed an order for a McNifica combo with Coke and got in the line to receive the food and the guy was still going at it. I felt like telling him, “Well, it’s obvious she’s not your sister”. 😊

Teresa ate half her burger and I finished it and also had a lot of the fries.

I told Teresa my idea of going to San Andres for the holidays and she suggested Panama. That might work, but I’m getting tired of all the options.

I forgot to mention a few days ago I was lying on the recliner and when you get up you have to snap the foot platform part with your feet and when I did that I got a cramp in my thigh, first time for that location. I think it was because I missed the gym for a week and when I came back I didn’t drop the weight down for a while like I usually do.

So, when I went to bed my left thigh still felt tight. I’m hoping I don’t get a cramp in it during the night.

 

FUNNY

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Last night I took my Diphenhydramine and Zopiclona tablets and went to bed at 10pm, fell asleep quickly, got up once during the night, finally waking/getting up at 7:15.

After my usual Saturday breakfast of blueberry pancakes, I walked to the mall.

It looks like the atrium is getting set up for what looks like a Lego maze called Block Kids:

I went upstairs to the banking area where there is a booth for a travel agent. No one was there so I had a latte in a café next door. The agent arrived at 10am, I paid for my latte then moved to Com Viajes to inquire about an end of the year trip. My requirements were: December 23^rd to January 2^nd, All-inclusive resort, and on the beach. I specifically mentioned as examples: Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Cancun, Mexico. He did his magic on his laptop and came up with these four options for Cancun:

I told him I’d check them out and show them to my wife and let him know.

I stopped in Exito and picked up pads, a bag of milk, a can of pasta sauce and a package of blueberries and returned to the apt by taxi.

We left the apt at 12:45 and took a Didi to Mi Casita Parilla only to find it closed. (I saw a note on the door and Teresa said something about them being closed permanently.) ☹ Around the corner was the fair Teresa wanted to go to at the Cultural Center but we hadn’t had lunch yet. I paid the Didi driver an extra 7mil cash to take us back to Calle La Buena Mesa and we got out at Eduardo Madrid bakery. Teresa talked to one of the workers inside and I guess they don’t have their chicken sandwiches today because we soon left.

We were walking around the corner toward Asados Rogelio when Teresa found this Peruvian buffet called Kusi.

We both found some things we liked and even went back for seconds. It started raining while we were there. Along with our two Cokes, the total check came to about 120,000 pesos, which I thought was high but Teresa informed me it was because of the seafood.

The rain had nearly stopped as we left and returned to the apt.

I watched the first two episodes of True Detective, season 1 on Stremio.

One of my blog readers responded to my electronic visa comment with “You don’t have to show a paper copy of your visa. You can download it to your phone (I paste it using Notes on my Iphone) and show it to immigration when it is needed. That’s why it’s an electronic visa…” Thank you for that!

 

FUNNY

Friday, September 26, 2025

Last night I took my Diphenhydramine and Zopiclona tablets and went to bed at 9:30, fell asleep quickly, got up twice during the night, finally waking/getting up at 7am.

Teresa tried one of my English muffins but didn’t seem impressed (maybe because she put Philadelphia cream cheese on it).

I left the apt at 8:30 and ran into Marcos & Johana outside our porteria. I gave him my condolences for last night’s Cardinals’ last second loss and he replied he’s done with them. 😊

I completed my workout in Smartfit and while I saw Daniel at one point, I didn’t see him when I left at the end.

I had a latte in Ganso y Castor but again didn’t see any squirrels take the acorn I left in the tree.

I left at 10:30 and returned to the apt.

Happiness is taking a warm (not mountain cold) shower.

My plan this afternoon is to work on switching out my old laptop for the new one if Teresa doesn’t have her own plans for me.

From Amazon’s website I sent them a message about my defective power cord hoping they will reimburse me for my purchase.

Speaking of hearing aids, I noticed last night at the movie I missed some of the dialogue as the men were walking down the road.

Teresa and I had an interesting discussion during lunch. She asked why I don’t laminate my Colombian Visa. I told her if I laminated it, I wouldn’t be able to fold it and keep it in my passport. By the way, I asked her, why is it called an Electronic Visa if I always have to show them a paper copy?

I moved the few files I had updated from my old laptop to my new laptop and now it’s on my desk so hopefully I won’t have any problems with the changeover. I’ll keep my old laptop for a while to be certain I didn’t miss anything.

Rain started at 2pm but didn’t last long.

I watched the news most of the rest of the day.

Another photo of my granddaughter.

I gave up on reading Jack Carr’s Red Sky Mourning at the halfway point, it just couldn’t keep my interest.

I downloaded and started reading Jake Tapper’s Original Sin.

 

FUNNY

 

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Last night I took my Diphenhydramine and Zopiclona tablets and went to bed at 9:30, fell asleep quickly, got up twice during the night (it was raining the second time), finally waking/getting up at 5:30.

Teresa didn’t sleep well so she returned to bed after she made my breakfast.

I fiddled around with the battery compartment for the on-demand heater and finally got the igniter to work. I have hot water again!

I met Marcos in Tostao at 9:30 and filled him in on my trip. (Only $328 round-trip from Medellin to Chicago was definitely a winner.)

We left at 10:20, Pecatto wasn’t open, I bought eggs and milk in Mercado Madrid on my way back to the apt.

Teresa wasn’t sure where we would eat out for lunch so she will call me.

Teresa called me at 12:40 and suggested we meet in the porteria then go to a restaurant a friend suggested in La Casona.

I met Teresa at the porteria at 1pm and I felt sorry for her because she was in a denim skirt, blouse and a denim jacket and the weather was warm. We walked two blocks to Palo Grande a restaurant that’s been here for years but we never ate there.

I ordered my usual chicken breast with a mango juice and Teresa ordered grilled chicken with a beer.

Soon it started raining and the temperature dropped and I felt a little uncomfortable in my shorts and sleeveless t-shirt.

The food was good although a little expensive at 95,493 pesos ($24.50).

We returned to the apt and Teresa went back to bed to rest a bit.

I left at 4pm and walked to Eduardo Madrid where I picked up my 16 English muffins for 40mil. (Usually, 6 bagels costs 16,800 pesos.)

I returned to the apt and soon we took a taxi to Oviedo mall where Teresa confirmed the location of an upcoming doctor’s appointment.

We went up to Cine Colombia where I purchased two preferred tickets to The Long Walk (Camina o Muere in Spanish) for 31,800 pesos.

Teresa was hungry so we went down two levels to Crepes & Waffles where she ordered their Suprema ice cream cup while I made a trip to the restroom.

Back upstairs I bought a medium Coke to go with my free Platinum popcorn and we entered the theater. With each trailer they play Teresa asks me if this is our movie. 😊

The movie wasn’t great but it was interesting and lasted less than two hours.

We returned to the apt by taxi.

A new photo of my granddaughter:

 

FUNNY

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Last night I took my Diphenhydramine and Zopiclona tablets and went to bed at 10pm, fell asleep quickly, got up once during the night, finally getting up at 5:15.

We’re back to the old routine. Teresa will be heading out to Mayorca while I’ll be heading out to Smartfit.

After breakfast I returned to bed and easily slept for an hour.

I left for Smartfit and found it busier than usual. I managed to complete my workout by varying the order of my machines. Daniel came by and challenged me to a game of speed chess. As I was finishing my workout, I saw him walk by with a chess set and head outside. Five minutes later I joined him and he had a small travel chess set but the pieces weren’t weighted and we each knocked them over once. He had a small chess clock that he set to 10 minutes and we played two games and I won both. He wants to play again when I return on Friday.

I moved to Ganso y Castor where I put an acorn in the tree

 and had a latte. I googled whether Colombia has oak trees and was told they do but it appears at lower altitudes. I asked specifically about Medellin and it appears they may only be in Parque Arvi. The squirrel never came for the hour I was there. ☹

I stopped in Eduardo Madrid and ordered 16 English muffins to be picked up tomorrow between 2 and 5 pm.

I returned to the apt but when I stepped in the shower there was no hot water. ☹ I changed the two D batteries but still no hot water. I wonder if there’s something else I need to do but don’t remember. Maybe Teresa moved/changed something while I was gone? (Later I found you have to be sure the batteries are seated properly (push up) in the container.)

I took a Didi to Mayorca and found Teresa in Il Forno at 1pm. She had her usual salmon and I had short pasta with meatballs. (It would have been better with more sauce.) We each had a juice and the total came to 114,941 pesos ($30).

We took escalators down to the basement where we got a taxi back to Envigado. Teresa got out down the steps from her crafts class and I continued on to the apt.

I left the apt just before 5pm and walked to Eduardo Madrid where I had a latte while waiting for Teresa. She showed up at 5:30 and had a spinach quiche and a latte.

We left just before 6pm and returned to the apt.

I watched some news and read some of my Kindle book and went to bed at 9:30.

 

FUNNY

 

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Last night I took my Diphenhydramine and Zopiclona tablets and went to bed at 9:30 on Jimmy’s couch, fell asleep about 30 minutes later, got up once at 4:15am to pee, finally getting up by my cellphone alarm at 5:30 ☹.

It’s going to be a long day of sitting and waiting.

We left the apt at 7am, Jimmy dropped me off at the El, I paid $2 with my debit card for entry and after a 5-minute wait caught the next train to O’Hare airport.

The escalator wasn’t working so instead of waiting in line for the elevator I carried my carry-on up a flight of stairs. At the top of the stairs was at an American Airlines check-in machine and a rep helped me print my boarding passes. I have an aisle seat for my flight to Miami 😊 got through my TSA check without a problem and walked to my gate. Nearby was a Tortas Frontera fast food restaurant that my brother recommended. I ordered a torta with chorizo, egg, and cheese and an iced tea but what I received was a torta with ground beef and avocado. ☹

I ate it then moved to my gate and we soon boarded. I had seat 33C and as I scanned my boarding pass I said to the female gate attendant, “I’ll bet I’m in the last row.” She replied, “what do you want to bet?” and I replied, “what do you have?” as I passed by. Sure enough I was in the last row but the good news was I had the row all to myself. I soon moved to the window seat and stayed there for the remainer of the flight with the shade down, my eye mask on and leaning against the bulkhead.

They kept the seat belt sign on the entire time and never served any drinks.

As we approached Miami, we encountered a few seconds of heavy turbulence that must have pushed us down a few feet. We landed without incident but damn this airport is cold. It’s a long walk to the gates but they do have a Sky Train that I could have taken.

I’m sitting near my gate, it having already been changed from D61 to D46 to D39.

I bought a blueberry muffin and small coffee in Dunkin Donuts for $8 and took a seat by gate D46. The electric outlets don’t work here but I can set up my laptop and work off the battery without sharing the space with anyone.

Still 2 hours until my 5:51pm flight so after I finish these blog notes, I’m going to move to my new gate and read some of my Kindle book.

I saw this automated chair come by. Just after I stopped recording the woman it was approaching didn’t know it was there and didn’t move. I went over to her and told her, “I think it wants you to move.” She looked at me like I was crazy until she turned around and finally moved out of it’s way. It’s pretty obvious it follows lines in the middle of the floor and can’t deviate.

At the new gate they made an announcement a couple of times that they were waiting for one of the flight attendants to arrive. When I entered the plane with my carry-on, I had a seat close to the front in row 14 but I had the middle seat. What’s even worse is that the only space they found for my carry on is about 10 rows back which will probably mean I’ll have to wait until everyone else deplanes before I can move back to get it. We ended up taking off close to 6:30 and much of the flight we had our seat belts on but they did find time to serve drinks. I had a Coke with a package of cookies they provided along with a package of peanut M&Ms I had saved from our last trip to El Retiro.

Jeannie sent me this new video of them by the lake with Annie:

They played a recording which was a long advertisement for their AAdvantage credit card but after the first year there’s a $99 annual fee and the Annual Percentage Rate is between 20.24% and 29.99%, so no!

When we landed, I had to wait until people got busy retrieving their things from the overhead bin past where my carry-on was and I was able to retrieve it. The line was short for immigration and got through after only a 15 to 20-minute wait. Customs just waved me through, I made a trip to the restroom and outside quickly caught an airport taxi back to the apt for 150,000 pesos.

Teresa and I were happy to see each other and next year when I go to Chicago she will go with me.

 

FUNNY

Monday, September 22, 2025

Last night I took my Diphenhydramine and Zopiclona tablets and went to bed at 9:30 on Jimmy’s couch, fell asleep about 30 minutes later, got up once at 4.55am to pee, finally getting up by my cellphone alarm at 5:30 ☹.

Same as Friday, we left the apt at 7:15, Jimmy got out at the high school and I drove out of the city.

I arrived at Elly’s Pancake House by 8:30 and I had steak & eggs, pancakes and coffee for $41.88.

I stopped in Staples and purchased laminated Quick Study pages for Algebra I & II, and Calculus I for Alenjandro and a U.S. Map for myself for $34.90.

I continued on to Highland Park arriving by 10:30.

I walked Rebel in the park, this time he took a different route, and picked up his poop in a plastic bag.

I enjoyed my time with Annie James and even fed her once.

Jeannie’s Aunt Kia came over for a visit – I haven’t seen her since Annette’s funeral two years go.

I took Rebel for another walk but this time he guided me away from the park and across a street to downtown. We walked around the block and he pooped twice so I had to pick it up twice. Luckily, he didn’t poop again because I only had two bags.

Next time I see Annie James she should be walking.

I left at 3:45 and returned to Jimmy’s apt by 4:45.

We went to El Mariachi where I had enchiladas and Jimmy had tacos and picked up the check as my birthday present. He also gifted me a book titled Son.

I did two loads of laundry so all the clothes I pack in my suitcase will be clean. I started some basic packing while watching some of the Lions vs Ravens game.

I went to bed at 9:45.

 

FUNNY

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Last night I took my Diphenhydramine and Zopiclona tablets and went to bed at 9:30 on Jimmy’s couch, soon fell asleep, got up once at 2:24am to pee, was awakened by my cellphone alarm at 5:30 ☹, finally gave up getting back to sleep and got up at 6:15.

We left the apt at 9:30 and walked the 3-4 blocks to Pancake Café where I had a strawberry Belgian waffle and Jimmy had eggs, hash browns, bacon and a pancake. We both had the endless cup of coffee and the total came to $53.17.

Jimmy returned to the apt while I continued two blocks to Walgreen’s where I bought a Sunday Sun-Times and two gift cards for Jeannie and Jacob – Door Dash and Target and put $200 on each.

Back at the apt I dropped off my jacket and left again, this time to a gas station convenience store where I purchased a 2-liter bottle of Pepsi for later.

I returned to the apt and started updating my blog notes and reading the Sunday paper. The Sunday crossword puzzle is much harder and I didn’t get very far with it.

Jimmy and I watched the Bears maul the Dallas Cowboys 31-14. That was fun. We reheated leftover Barnaby’s pizza in his air fryer which did a much better job than a microwave and I opened the bag of Fritos and didn’t hesitate to gorge myself.

I watched some of the late game, Kansas City vs NY Giants then went to bed at 9:30.

 

FUNNY

Saturday, September 20, 2025

Last night I took my Diphenhydramine and Zopiclona tablets and went to bed at 9:30 on Jimmy’s couch, soon fell asleep, got up once during the night to pee, again because for the first time ever I had a cramp in my thigh, woke up at 5am but didn’t get up until 6am to start my day.

I left the apt just before 8am for Pancake Café Wrigleyville, hoping on the way to find a place selling newspapers. I checked at the gas station but the only one they had was days old. I had a nice breakfast at the Pancake Café of eggs, hash browns, sausage, English muffin and coffee.

I returned to the apt and a few minutes later we drove to his high school, Lane Tech, and he got out and I headed north on Lake Shore Drive to Highland Park. Jeannie was happy to see me and the first thing I did was take Rebel for a walk. He pooped and I picked up his mess with a plastic bag and put it in a garbage can.

Rebel is a 65# pit bull with a lot of energy and he doesn’t understand what’s going on. When the baby makes any sound at all Rebel starts whining and we try to assure him that everything is okay. We take turns holding the baby and keeping Rebel from getting too close to her.

I asked Jeannie what they needed most (clothes? diapers?) and she said a Doordash gift card so they can order food without having to worry about cooking. I tried sending her one but my card was declined. (Later I got it cleared up with my bank – not sure if it’s because I’m in the US, have a different phone number, too large of an amount but I got it squared away with USAA.)

Our previous neighbor when we lived in Glenview, Ann Pruise, came over and helped Jeannie get something to eat.

At 2:30 I walked Rebel again and I left at 3:45 as Jeannie was expecting more company soon.

I drove to The Works in Glenview where I had an Italian Beef sandwich and a root beer. Good but not as good as Johnie’s or Mr. Beef.

I drove to Walmart where I explained I must have left a bag behind with 3 items. The person in customer service asked me to retrieve the 3 items and return with the debit card I used. I did and the 3 items matched my original purchase and they gave me a receipt and I left.

I stopped at a gas station and purchased today’s Chicago Sun-Times.

I was driving south on Dee Road approaching Devon with Maine South high school on my left and the forest preserve on my right when a hawk took off from the curb and flew in front of my car with a mouse in its talons. That was cool!

Around the corner these deer were eating grass on the side of the road.

I stopped in a busy Chicago Fashion Outlets mall where I looked for the other purse Teresa wanted from Lululemon but no luck.

I returned to Jimmy’s apt in heavy traffic.

I think the Cubs were playing the Cardinals tonight and while you can’t see the game you can see the ballpark from Jimmy’s apt.

And then I zoomed in a little:

I spent some time on the crossword puzzle then went to bed at 9:30.

 

FUNNY

 

Friday, September 19, 2025

Last night I took my Diphenhydramine and Zopiclona tablets and went to bed at 9:30 on Jimmy’s couch (a bright Wrigley Field in the near distance looking out the window), soon fell asleep and next thing I know it’s 5:15am.

I got up, took my shower, dressed, and I’m working on my computer until Jimmy wakes up at his usual 6am.

We’ll be leaving about 7:15, driving to Jimmy’s school, I’ll be taking his car, driving out to the NW suburbs that I’m more familiar with, going for breakfast, buying a sim card for my cellphone, buying flowers for Jeannie, then meeting them at their place in Highland Park so I can see my granddaughter Annie James for the first time.

Jimmy drove us to Lane Tech High School where he got out and I took over. Before I exited Chicago I stopped at a 7-11 and bought a Chicago Sun-Times, mainly for the crossword puzzle.

I drove out to the Golf Mill area of Niles and had breakfast in the Niles Diner and started working on the crossword puzzle just like the old days. I stopped at a Mobil station and filled his car with gas. I stopped in Walmart and bought so much stuff (for example, 2 bags of Butterfinger candy bars for trick or treaters) I’m not certain it will all fit in my carry-on.

I stopped in T-Mobile and purchased an e-sim card with 5GB for $28. All I have to do after Tuesday is delete it from my cellphone.

I drove up to Highland Park and stopped at Floral Gardens and bought flowers for Jeannie for $70. (The saleslady mentioned that most of their flowers come from Colombia and Ecuador.)

I arrived at Jeannie & Jacob’s place just before noon.

Here’s a photo of me holding my granddaughter.

She’s perfect! Good Job Jeannie!

I enjoyed holding her and finally she opened her eyes a bit when Jeannie was holding her.

At one point I walked their dog Rebel, a pit bull mix, in the park right next door for about 25 minutes to tire him out.

I learned Jacob is a big soccer fan and his favorite team is Manchester City.

Tomorrow Jacob has a wedding to go to that will keep him out all day so I’ll be returning in the morning to help Jeannie, the baby and walking Rebel.

As I was returning to Jimmy’s apt I texted him that my ETA was 5:45 but he thought that was too early to go for supper so I stopped at a Dunkin Donuts and had an apple fritter and medium latte and finished my crossword puzzle.

I left about 6:30 and returned to his apt, pulled the car inside and left it with a valet.

Entering my debit card receipts for the day into my spreadsheet I found that Mobil charged me $51.33 but my receipt shows $31.92. I was going to dispute the charge but looking closer at the receipt it shows a time of 6:20 (I was there about 9:30) with 5.130 gallons and I’m sure I put more gas in than that so I think they somehow messed up the receipt.

We left at 7:30 and walked to Windy City Gyros where I had a Chicago hot dog, he had a burger and we shared an order of fries. Oh, and we each had root beers.

 

FUNNY

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Last night I took my Diphenhydramine and Zopiclona tablets and went to bed at 7pm, took a while to fall asleep, woke up at 1am (it was raining) and got up at 1:15, took my shower, dressed, kissed Teresa goodbye and headed downstairs with my carry-on.

It was only raining lightly so I didn’t bother putting up my umbrella and Carlos was waiting for me in his taxi. He still has the old taxi which suffices when it’s just me. We got caught up on a few things.  His voice is gravely and a little low so even though he speaks good English he can be difficult to understand.

We arrived at the Rionegro airport before 3am. The self-service machines weren’t working at American Airlines so I had to wait in a short line. The rep asked for the telephone number of my US contact, my son, informed me the flight was nearly full and wanted to check my bag until I told her I have a computer with a lithium battery. She gave me my boarding passes for all three flights and informed me boarding would start at 5:15.

I took my laptop out of my carry-on and went through TSA without a hitch. I showed my passport with my Colombian Visa to Customs and they stamped it with the exit date.

I saw a croissant with LOTS of almonds that I’m thinking of buying to take on the plane.

By 3:15 I was at my gate.

In Pergamino café I inquired as to the cost of the bag of coffee I bought in Viva Envigado for 45mil each and here they are 72mil.

I found a quiet spot and took out my laptop with mouse so I could update my blog notes.

It’s 4:15 so I think I’ll close my computer, buy that croissant and find a seat by the gate. And that’s what I did.

I was happy to find I had an aisle seat and when I sat down both sides of the aisle were completely free. But that didn’t continue. A woman came and I got up so she could take the window seat. A few minutes later another woman comes and I got up so she could take the middle seat. I noticed people arriving across the aisle also. A man soon comes and shows me his ticket which means he has the window seat. I looked at Karen and we all got up so she could move to her real seat, which ended up being the middle seat across the aisle. 😊

The stewardess gave us a small package of cookies and I chose a cup of water with a piece of ice to drink with my almond croissant (which was delicious as I snuck pieces out of the bag). We arrived in Miami on time and as I recalled from last time it was a long walk to Passport Control. Luckily, there was a short line compared to when Teresa and I were there last time when the whole room was full.

The officer asked me a couple simple questions I don’t remember and I was on my way. I found my gate and it was a little crowded waiting for the next flight.

A new photo of Annie James that Jeannie sent me:

This time I had a window seat with a young woman in the aisle seat and no one in the middle seat. 😊

At one point I fell asleep for a few minutes (30?) and when I woke up the woman informed me they came by with drinks but didn’t want to disturb me. About 10 minutes later they finished serving but I caught the waitress and she brought me a Coke with a cup with an ice cube in it.

We arrived at Reagen National in Washington on time – I thought I saw the tall Washington Monument in the distance.

I knew I only had an hour to get to my next gate but when I got off and I looked back the screen at the gate had Chicago O’Hare and m flight number on it. I remarked to the gate officer that I should have just stayed on the plane. (Which would have been a good idea after what happened next.)

The area was VERY busy and after a trip to the restroom was lucky to find a seat.  I couldn’t understand the loud speaker very well but I kept an eye on the screen. As before I was in Group 9, the last group to board.

They made an announcement asking for volunteers to check their carry-on for free as they were almost out of overhead bin space. When they called Group 9 they asked those of us with carry-on to come forward and they put luggage tags on them.

I explained I have a computer in it and they just asked me to remove and take it on my plane and put it in the little bag in front of my seat.

My luck finally ran out and I had the middle seat in row 31, only two more rows in the plane behind me. It was manageable and we landed at 4:45, 45 minutes before schedule. Five minutes later the plane was off the runway but stopped on the tarmac. The pilot notified us that we had to wait 10 minutes for a gate to become available. Five minutes later the pilot informed us we have been assigned Gate H18. Ten minutes later we started moving toward the gate and 5 minutes later we arrived. Being in the back of the plane it took me 15 minutes to exit.

It was a long walk to baggage claim where I found my carry-on immediately. I put my laptop in the carry-on and made a quick trip to the restroom, now having my hands free.

I had already texted Jimmy that I had landed and my Door number, 3G but when I went outside to the outer ring of the driveway I lost internet. He picked me up about 25 minutes later and we went to Barnaby’s for pizza.

I paid $18.25 for a large pizza and I forget how much for a pitcher of Pepsi. We really wanted root beer but when it came out of the dispenser it looked a little weak on syrup so we switched. I really wanted the root beer, not just because it’s my favorite but also because it’s caffeine free and I didn’t want any sleep issues.

Jimmy drove us to his apt in Lakeview, drove in and dropped off the car with valets and introduced me to them. we took Murray for a quick walk and got settled for sleep.

I took the couch and was asleep within 10 minutes.

 

FUNNY

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Last night I took my Diphenhydramine and Zopiclona tablets and went to bed at 9:30, got up once during the night, finally waking/getting up at 5am.

I’ll be trying to take a nap later before tomorrow’s 2am pickup to the airport. We’ll see how that goes.

Teresa insists there is a new restaurant somewhere near our gym. I left the apt at 7:45 but I don’t see any new restaurant near Smartfit. I completed my workout having to drastically change the order of my routine.

In Ganso y Castor a waiter quickly took my order for a latte but 30 minutes later I had to go into the kitchen to remind them.

I left at 9:45 and as I entered the porteria the portero Julio handed me a small package – my new power cable.

Back in the apt I first plugged the old power cable into the laptop – no light. I plugged in the new power cable and the light came on so I believe that problem is finally solved.

At 12:30 I took a Didi to Mayorca where I recycled my old Nook e-reader in their electronics cycling bin. I met Teresa upstairs in Crepes & Waffles where she already had a table (allowing me to skip the line outside) and was eating a salad from the salad bar. I had the Cesar salad and the check came to 78,650 pesos ($20.18).

We went downstairs to Medipiel where she bought some type of cream, at a discount, for 69,100 pesos ($17.75).

We went down to the basement level and caught a taxi back to Envigado.

I got out at La Bahia across the street from the mall while she continued on to her crafts class.

Upstairs in the mall I tried to pay the cellphone bills in Claro but something was wrong so Teresa will have to take care of it later.

I went into Jagi and picked up my hat – it’s perfect, exactly as I ordered.

I returned to the apt by taxi and dropped off Teresa’s gym bag.

Jeannie sent me another photo of Annie James:

I left the apt at 4pm and stopped in Gana but there’s still something wrong with paying my Claro bill. I had a chicken sandwich with a glass of water (want to stay away from caffeine for now) in Eduardo Madrid while I waited for Teresa to arrive. I sent a reminder to Carol about my 2am pickup and my son about at 5:30pm pickup in O’Hare. When Teresa arrived she wasn’t hungry so I led her to Gana where she had a conversation with the Gana lady. After a bit she took my money and gave me a receipt and underlined the account number and amount. I think the problem might have been a previous receipt was printed under the wrong number so I need to remember to check that in the future.

Back at the apt, Teresa helped me with the final packing and I put the carry-on by the door.

I set my alarm to 1:30am, took my sleeping pills and we went to bed at 7pm. It took me a while to fall asleep.

 

FUNNY

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Last night I took my Diphenhydramine and Zopiclona tablets and went to bed at 10pm, got up once at 5am, slept lightly after that, finally waking/getting up by alarm at 6:30. (Last night I turned the bedroom fan on for only the second time this year.)

Right away I sent a message to my daughter asking her how her night was.

I ordered my Didi and was out in the hallway when Jeannie texted me, “Exhausting! She’s here and she’s perfect!! Will send photos and name very soon. She’s been at the nursery for the last couple hours so we could get some sleep.” I quickly told Teresa then hurried out to catch my ride.

I was having breakfast with Jose when Jeannie made a video call and I talked to her for about 3 minutes. My granddaughter’s name is Annie (after her mother) James (because it’s the name of lots of relatives and something about a girl’s name appearing in 1998’s The Parent Trap) Taché. (Later I checked IMDB and one of the girls Lindsey Lohan plays is named Annie James.) I can’t wait to see my granddaughter.

I ordered the 3 pieces of French toast and Jose ordered the 1 piece and I gave him one of mine so we would each have two pieces and we basically split the check.

We moved to the food court and I had the Black pieces in the first game but he pressed me the whole game and I resigned on the 27^th move. ☹

I had the White pieces in the second game and had the advantage but went wrong in the middle game and I resigned on the 40^th move.

I’ll probably see Jose next in a couple weeks.

It was only 1:15 when I returned to Viva Envigado by Didi.

I made an Atm withdrawal then had lunch in Pergamino where I also bought bags of coffee to gift my son and daughter. I went into Jair to pick up my baseball cap and they informed me it wasn’t ready. Something about the machine and Sunday and Monday. They said to return tomorrow around 2pm to pick it up. ☹

I forgot to bring the account information to pay our Claro bills so I guess I’ll have another reason for returning tomorrow afternoon.

I had a latte in Urbania for an hour or so then went into El Deportista and purchased 2 4# dumbbells for Teresa’s gym class.

I returned to the apt by taxi.

I started some more serious packing. I decided not to bring my toiletry kit as I don’t have much more to bring than deodorant and a toothbrush so it would just be taking up unneeded space.

I tried to download another Jack Carr book for my kindle but all copies were borrowed.

I went to bed at 9:30.

 

FUNNY

 

Monday, September 15, 2025

Last night I took my Diphenhydramine and Zopiclona tablets and went to bed at 10pm, slept through the night, finally waking/getting up at 6am.

Could today be the day I become a grandfather?

Teresa got up at 6:30 and made breakfast.

I left at 8am for the gym in a few sprinkles. At first the gym didn’t seem busy but that changed by the time I finished with the first machine. I believe I’ve reached the weight limit for my arms and legs, the only future weight increases will be for my stomach and back.

I had a latte in Ganso y Castor for an hour and stopped in Ara on the way back to the apt but still no milk.

I won a game against Troyclough increasing my rating to 1569.

I finally see the $327.26 credit card charge for my American Airlines flight.

At 10:45 a truck pulled up to Ara, can’t tell if it’s refrigerated or not but hopefully they will have milk available this afternoon.

I started the process of using Amazon for “troubleshooting on my own” my battery problem and plugged it into a wall socket (different one than before if that’s important) and the charge light came on so we’ll see what happens.

Two hours later I turned on the new laptop and it works with the battery level now around 70%. I updated my bank spreadsheets with the latest transactions I’d missed and copied them to my USB drive so I can use it on either computer.

I did a File History backup and ensured the shortcut I had set up works.

Now I’m wondering if I just close the new laptop without formerly turning it off is it still running off the battery? It shuts down on my old laptop so I assumed the same for my new one.

We’ll see what happens now.

I finally received an email from the Illinois Tollway that my account has closed.

Teresa helped me start packing my carry-on. She wants us to meet her mother tonight and we’ll go to Crepes & Waffles in Viva Envigado for ice cream.

I set up the new computer on my desk and now it’s not taking a charge again. I plugged in to the other wall socket and its not working there either. ☹ ChatGPT recommends I wait until the power cord arrives to see if that fixes the problem.

Teresa tried calling her mother repeatedly but she never answered. Plan B we would go for steaks at the “new” Argentinian restaurant next to the 24-hour vet’s office (her suggestion) or Lucio’s in Calle la Buena Mesa (my suggestion). We left the apt at 6:45 and both of our suggested restaurants were closed on Mondays. We ended up having a nice solomito steak dinner in El Trifasico for 184,648 pesos ($47), including tip. Teresa was impressed with how the park looks all lit up.

We walked through Calle Jardin where Teresa hasn’t been in a long time if ever and I haven’t been at night and it was bright also.

We returned to the apt and I started my pre-sleep routine.

My daughter is having contractions but that’s it so far.

 

FUNNY