Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Last night I went to bed at 10:15, got up several times during the night, finally waking/getting up at 6:30.

I had a short nap after breakfast then left the apt at 8:45 for Smartfit. I ran into Michael right away and learned he returns to the gym for another workout around noon.

They gym has televisions above the treadmills and I occasionally thought I saw the name George Halas come up. Today I finally caught it in time to take this photo:

Later ChatGPT translated it to, “No one who has given their best has ever regretted it.” – George Halas. So, they know who George Halas is in Colombia? Incredible.

I also noticed an ad on television for my brand of creatine so I’ll have to check out.

It will probably be powder rather than the capsules I bought.

I walked to Ganso y Castor and had a latte at my usual table at the end of the row. A young man of 35 or so was sitting 3 tables away. I could hear him speaking English with a woman on his phone. I could occasionally hear things like “an egg contains 2 grams of protein”, and “you should eat some protein an hour after your workout”. I figured he must be in the fitness nutrition business.

When I finally noticed he was off the phone I tried to get his attention, “hello” and “where are you from?” but he either couldn’t hear me or was too engrossed in his phone. I made a screenshot of this book:

and walked over to his table and held out my cellphone and said, “I don’t know if you can’t hear me or are ignoring me but have you read this book?” He stood up and said, “get the fuck out of my face”. I said, “Wow!”, walked back to my table, picked up my thermos and workout book and left immediately, returning to the apt.

Teresa wanted to go to her crafts course again this afternoon but learned there won’t be any classes until February 11^th.

I left the apt at 1:45 and walked to Gardenia where I had a latte. No other customers were there but a few came in later. About 3pm thunder could be heard and it got noticeably windier and cooler. I left at 3:30 in a light shower and returned to the apt.

Kelly arrived about 4:30 to give Teresa a massage. The sun was shining and I wanted to leave but it was still raining, although lightly. Finally, about 4:30 it cleared and I walked to Antonio’s where I bought half a liter of pistachio gelato. I continued on to Eduardo Madrid where I picked up the 16 English muffins I ordered plus a slice of carrot cake for Teresa.

I returned to the apt and Kelly had already left.

I lost a game to chesswiz98 in 40 moves, lowering my rating to 1542.

I watched news the rest of the evening, mainly CNN’s Town Hall in Minneapolis.

 

RELEASE ALL THE EPSTEIN FILES NOW!

 

FUNNY

 

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Last night I went to bed at 10:30 (it was still raining), got up twice during the night (it had stopped raining), finally waking by alarm at 6:30 (forgot to unset it), getting up just after 7:15.

I had a short nap after breakfast then left the apt at 8:45. I stopped in Eduardo Madrid and returned 2 large plastic containers for them to reuse and ordered 16 English muffins for pickup tomorrow afternoon.

I continued on to Ganso y Castor where I had a latte with a glass of ice water. (Doctor wants me drinking more water for my kidney stones.) I started using the Blink eyedrops I bought last June/July and so far, they seem much better than the regular eyedrops I’ve been using.

I left at 11:15 and stopped in Ara for a bag of laundry detergent. A man ahead of me had a full cart and there was only one cashier ☹ so it took a while.

I dropped off the laundry detergent then returned our suitcases to the garage storage area.

Yesterday Teresa had me put a piece of glass (3’ x 1’ x 1”) next to the garbage chute for disposal. I guess they won’t take it because a portero knocked on our door and its back. 😊

We left at 1pm, took a Didi to pick up MT and then continued on to San Fernando Plaza. They went into Gaes, a hearing aid center, while I took a seat in Juan Valdez without purchasing a coffee. They came out a few minutes later and we took a Didi to Santafe mall.

We had lunch in Crepes & Waffles, me ordering their stroganoff crepe with a glass of water.

Teresa had the Mexican trufa and MT a salad with avocado. I tried using my new Capital One 360 debit card to pay the 86,500 pesos ($24) and it was declined again. (Later I logged into my Capital One account and verified it hadn’t been locked.) I charged it to my USAA debit card instead but I think there will be a 1% foreign transaction fee added.

I stopped in a nearby store and had Teresa’s blood test results printed.

I went down to Valentina’s and had a latte while waiting for them to return from checking out Zara. When they returned Teresa had a latte and MT an aromatica. I paid the check of about 35mil in cash.

We left about 5:30 and returned to Envigado by taxi for 22,000 pesos.

I spent the rest of the evening watching the evening news, mainly MS NOW but about 8:30 I was glad I had switched to CNN because they were interviewing Stella Carlson, the woman who recorded the execution of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis by federal agents. What a good spokesperson she was!

Btw, where are those millions of Epstein files that DOJ is supposed to release immediately?

 

RELEASE ALL THE EPSTEIN FILES NOW!

 

FUNNY

Monday, January 26, 2026

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, got up twice during the night, finally waking/getting up just after 6am.

Teresa was already gone to nueve eps to for a doctor’s appointment. She returned at 7am and made breakfast. I went for my usual nap but didn’t sleep well. I left the apt just before 9am for Smartfit. I reduced the weights on the machines by 10# and was happy I didn’t have any problem on the leg extension. I was doing my 18 minutes on the treadmill when Michael stopped by. Something about it would cost $1,000 for a Colombian Visa so he’s just going to use up his remaining visitor stamp time this year. Btw, Stacy is in Santa Domingo, DR and Michael is thinking about sharing an Airbnb with him later. I told him about the e-ticket he will have to fill out for the DR.

I completed my workout then moved to Ganso y Castor for a latte. I brought ChatGPT up-to-date on my exercise and treadmill progress and it recommended I stick to the -10# for 2-3 weeks.

I texted Innovation Corp and it appears Fed-Ex handed off the package to USPS on December 15^th. ☹ The lady says USPS sometimes delivers packages up to 2 months late. Not sure whether to file a claim with them or wait a little longer to see if the packages still get delivered.

Teresa sent me a voicemail asking me to pick up a cucumber and tomatoes. I left at 10:45 and stopped in Ara on my way back to the apt.

The guy who rents our parking spot came by and gave me 300,000 pesos for January, February, and March.

Annie James

After lunch, I left the apt at 1:30 and walked to the mall. I went up to the banking area and tried my new Capital One debit card in a Davivienda ATM. Each step was slower than usual and in the end it timed out. ☹ At the next Davivienda ATM I received a, “Transaccion con problemas. Intente luego.”. Another bank’s ATMs were out of order. If my debit card won’t work in stores or ATMs it’s useless to me. I will try again later.

I bought a cinnabon in Cinnabon (where else) and got it to go for Urbania. When I was opening it, I noticed these directions on how to reheat it.

Maybe it’s because I ordered it “to go”. Besides being huge I had no problem cutting it up with the knife and fork they included.

I’ve won my last 5 games and they’ve all been in 26 moves or less. 😊

I left at 4pm, and made a stop in Exito. I found imported oranges 😊 and bought 4 for 20,000 pesos so they were approximately $1 each. I bought a couple other things and returned to the apt by taxi.

Teresa cut up one of the oranges right away to share and I was a little disappointed it wasn’t sweet at all.

Teresa is frustrated with her mother and I understand she will be taking her to a doctor or audiologist tomorrow to get hearing aids.

Workers are making good progress on the new sidewalk.,

About 8:30 a downpour started.

I spent the rest of the evening watching the news, ending with the 9-10pm The Rachel Maddow Show, finally getting to bed at 10:30. It was still raining.

 

RELEASE ALL THE EPSTEIN FILES NOW!

 

FUNNY

 

Sunday, January 25, 2026

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

I left the apt at 8:15 and walked to Sao Paulo Plaza where I met Glenn with Bianca in Olivenza. Glenn has had a problem with low blood pressure symptoms in the evening. He’s taking 3 different blood pressure medications and after conferring with ChatGPT, it recommended he stop one particular medication. He got approval from his doctor and it’s only been a couple days, but so far, he’s feeling better. Bianca has a back problem that she’s getting injections for from a veterinarian every couple weeks.

I tried paying for our meal with my new Capital One debit card but it was declined. ☹ We’ll see if it works with ATMs and of course, I’ll try again in another store.

I returned to the apt and Teresa sent me to Mercado Madrid and Ara for vegetables but neither had pipinos (cucumbers).

Chesswiz98 resigned our game on the 17^th move, increasing my rating to 1546.

Jose isn’t feeling well so we won’t be playing chess this Tuesday.

I watched the first four episodes of The Bear (8.5) on Stremio and the rest of the evening watched the news.

I watched the last 5 minutes of the Seahawks vs Rams game.

 

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FUNNY

 

Saturday, January 24, 2026

Last night I went to bed at 10pm, got up once at 1am, again at 5:45 before waking/getting up just before 7am.

Teresa got up at 7:30 and made me blueberry pancakes for breakfast.

 Chesswiz98 blundered a bishop and resigned on the 26^th move, increasing my rating to 1541.

I met Marcos with Johana at 9:45 outside our porteria and I ordered a Didi to take us to Pricesmart in Poblado. I found a few things on my list but most importantly they didn’t have turkey breast, nor blueberries or strawberry preserves. I paid 294,100 pesos ($81) using my new USAA debit card. We stopped in their café long enough for them to each have a slice of pizza then we went up two levels where we waited 5-10 minutes for a taxi. They leave next Thursday for Bogota and Johana’s US embassy appointment.

I activated my new Capital One debit card. Now I just need to test it.

I took a 45-minute nap right after lunch.

I left the apt at 2:30 and walked to La Buena Mesa. All the tables outside Ganso y Castor were taken and even the concrete tables. I forgot how busy the park gets on Saturdays. I walked down to Los Porteños where I had one of their little lattes for 10,900 pesos and scrolled through my phone.

I see federal agents murdered another American in Minneapolis. ☹ When are they going to realize they aren’t wanted there?

I left at 4pm and returned to the apt.

Annie James with Rebel:

I spent the remainder of the day and evening watching the news.

 

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FUNNY

 

Friday, January 23, 2026

Last night I went to bed at 11:30 and woke up at 6:15, couldn’t fall back asleep to I got up at 7am.

Outside they’re in the process of tearing up the sidewalk in front of Ara.

We had no food in the house so we went to Los Porteños for breakfast. Teresa left first to pick up some food for lunch in Ara. I was a few minutes behind her after I paid our check of 105,000 pesos.

She arrived a couple minutes later and reported Ara didn’t have any new food deliveries because of the work going on outside.

She soon left to meet her mother and we’ll meet for lunch at 12:30 in Crepes & Waffles.

I balanced my Capital One account and worked on my blog notes.

I left the apt just after noon and walked to Viva Envigado. I recycled a plastic bottle then went up to Crepes & Waffles where I found Teresa and MT already at an outside table. Only problem is we’re under a huge fan that dries my eyes out more than they normally are and it’s actually painful.

They each ordered Mexican chicken soup which I mistakenly thought was their entrée as I wondered where my chicken Cesar salad was. I learned they just had soup and eventually their Mexican chicken came that they shared. MT also had aromatica (like a tea) and Teresa had juice and for dessert they shared a suprema and I had one just for myself. The total check came to 155,650 pesos ($42.50), including tip.

They left to meet a friend of Teresa’s and I went to the ATM where I made a withdrawal then paid our Claro cellphone bills.

Walking down the metro aisle it was obvious it was raining outside. I just hoped it would stop before my leaving soon.

In Exito I picked up a large carton of eggs and a bag of milk then got in a medium-size line to pay. Outside, the rain had stopped but now there was a short line and no taxis available. After a 15-minute wait I returned to the apt by taxi for the new minimum of 7,800 pesos.

I finished unpacking and reorganizing my stuff.

I texted my daughter that I didn’t receive the Christmas presents. One package was an online order sent USPS and she has a tracking number and confirmation of delivery on December 15^th. The other she sent personally on December 1^st and should have arrived within 5-8 days. I forwarded this information on to Innovation Corp so we’ll see what they say.

I registered my new USAA debit card and will test it tomorrow at Pricesmart. I’ll wait to register my Capital One until tomorrow, assuming I have no problem using my new USAA debit card.

I was really tired so I set an alarm for an hour and slept from 6pm to 7pm.

I spent the rest of the evening watching the Bears highlights from their last game and then the news.

I read some from my book and went to bed at 10pm.

 

RELEASE ALL THE EPSTEIN FILES NOW!

 

FUNNY

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Last night I went to bed at 10:30, quickly fell asleep, and was awakened by Teresa at 7:15.

Some surprises ahead!

Today is Punta Cana check-out day and return to Medellin.

Change of plans: We left the room by 8am and had the buffet breakfast in Miramar. I exchanged the towels poolside for the cards we need to return at check-out.

We returned to the room to find we had no power (electricity) so not just no lights but no air conditioning. I got Teresa set up outside in the sun for her final tanning session. By then the electricity had come back on and I took my final shower then started working on my blog notes.

My mouse was acting a little crazy, perhaps portending the soon demise of the battery? Luckily, I have a spare tucked away in my backpack.

Check-out is at noon, our COPA flight is 3:05pm, we have an hour and 45-minute layover in Panama before returning to Medellin at 8pm.

Teresa came in at 10:30 for her shower and final packing.

We left the room with our suitcases and my backpack and walked to the 2^nd floor lobby. I got in a medium size line that moved fairly quickly. Check-out was fast and outside we got in a van to take us to the airport for $30. Our driver first turned in to Terminal A and I told him we’re flying COPA and I thought it was Terminal B. He asked a man on the ground who directed him to Terminal B.

Inside we were surprised there was no line at the COPA counter for our 3:05pm flight. We checked our bags, 19kg for Teresa’s and 16kg for mine and I gave her my paper itinerary and our passports. We weren’t asked for the DR e-ticket QR code on Teresa’s cellphone nor the boarding passes I downloaded to my cellphone. The rep printed out boarding passes for both our return flights. We walked down the hall to a long immigration line but passed through uneventfully. Next was TSA and we were surprised we had to take off our shoes. But I didn’t remove my laptop from my backpack and nothing was said. They still haven’t found the foldable scissors in my fanny pack. 😊

We found our gate an hour before boarding so we stopped in Wendy’s and bought a 10-piece chicken nugget combo for $11. We shared that then went to our gate and they were soon boarding. Teresa had the window seat in 22F and I had the middle seat next to her in 22E. We discussed where to eat when we arrive in Rionegro. Google searches weren’t promising as most restaurants seem to close at 9:30 or 10pm. A flight attendant made an announcement that lithium batteries shouldn’t be stored in the overhead compartments but kept with the person. Uh-oh, I have a single AA battery in my backpack as an emergency backup for my mouse. The flight was about 2 ½ hours and they served us drinks plus packages of cookies and Platanitos chips.

We arrived in Tocumen airport about 4:45 and had to go through immigration again but at least we didn’t have to reclaim our suitcases.

On our way to our next gate I ran into this stand selling original Fritos chips so I had to buy them even though they were $2.98. Teresa picked up a bag of Lays classic potato chips for the same price and I charged so as to keep the few dollars I still have.

We had a 30-minute wait to board our next flight and then we sat there another half hour while people meandered in. We had seats on the aisle across from each other in row 24. This time we were served drinks and a package of cookies and we kept ours and ate our chips instead. Teresa liked the Fritos, which are similar to, but taste better than, Colombia’s Maizitos.

Entering Colombia’s airspace we had about 30 seconds of some scary turbulence but it calmed down after. As we landed I asked the girl in the next seat if she was visiting Medellin. First time, she’s staying at an Airbnb but wasn’t sure exactly where, probably Laureles when I suggested it. She was from Venezuela and spoke perfect English.

When we deplaned, we were surprised we weren’t at a gate but took stairs down to the tarmac. We walked 100 yards or so to enter the building and we were at immigration. They had the regular line plus the preferred line for Colombians, families with children, infirm, and seniors. I got in the latter with Teresa and there were only a few people there compared to the regular line that stretched, Disney World like, to the back of the room. They’re looking at a 2-3 hour wait. ☹

We got through immigration with no problem and then arrived at the baggage carousel. We had a wait of a few minutes before both our bags arrived. We took them and were surprised to find a line at customs. But it soon moved past the single person next to the customs/DIAN sign.

As we exited arrivals, there was a large half-circle of people waiting for family and friends. I stopped and looked at the crowd and raised my arms in appreciation and half of them cheered. I threw a kiss and all of them cheered. 😊 Nothing like breaking their monotony. I gave them the thumbs up and we continued on our way for a restroom pit stop.

We found a bar and grill open upstairs and Teresa ordered their salmon and I a Club sandwich and we shared a bottle of water for 156,569 pesos ($43).

Outside we quickly had an airport taxi to Envigado for 130,000 pesos. Traffic was heavy for a while through Poblado. When we pulled in to Palo de Rosa, Tanya came out and slid my package through the window. (I was planning on coming back down after we had moved all our suitcases upstairs.)

I opened the box and it was everything I had ordered from Amazon: a large container of 200 Creatine Monohydrate capsules (manufactured by Optimum Nutrition in Downers Grove, IL), 4 bottles of Swanson Calendula Flower capsules, and a 40oz. box of Bisquick. I also received envelopes with my two new debit cards, some useless information about Medicare, and end of year statements for one of my pensions. No Christmas presents my daughter sent me so I’m going to have to pursue that.

When I went to open Teresa’s suitcase I found the locks were no longer there, obviously TSA opened it but didn’t find anything as nothing was missing. But they kept the locks?

I unpacked the minimum of things, took my sleeping pills and went to bed. It took a while to fall asleep, interestingly, only happening once I put on my sleep mask.

 

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FUNNY

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Last night I went to bed at 11pm, got up once during the night, finally waking at 6am with a headache and getting up with Teresa at 8am. I took half an Excedrin and fortunately it kicked in a few minutes later.

Today I our last full day in Barcelo Bavaro Palace, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

The blister on my big toe is now a callous 😊and my cold seems to be much better this morning.

We left the apt by 9am, picked up clean towels and claimed our spots on the beach.

We went into Miramar and had their breakfast buffet.

We moved back to the beach and as usual I tried to stay in the shade. At one point there was a downpour that cleared the beach but everything was back to normal five minutes later.

I spent a few minutes in the gym completing my usual dumbbell routine.

We left at 1:30 and had lunch in Miramar. Teresa returned to the beach and I returned to our room where I quickly completed COPA’s check-in. I also downloaded the boarding passes to a .pdf file that I sent to myself as an email attachment. Supposedly, that’s all I need to show in the airport. I checked my notes from last Wednesday and I see the airport rep took a photo of the QR code for our DR e-ticket from Teresa’s cellphone. Showing that on request should satisfy our DR exit requirement.

I returned to the beach by 4pm and we finished the last hour before returning to our room.

Just before 8pm we stopped in Strikers sports bar but they didn’t have the beef ribs and Teresa didn’t see whatever fixings she wanted to make a salad. We continued on to Miramar for their buffet.

We stopped at the theater which will be performing Circus again at 10pm but they had some Jewish thing going on that was so loud I couldn’t even stay to find out what it was. We returned to the apt.

I was sitting on the toilet when the phone rang. ☹ I answered and a woman asked how we’re enjoying our vacation. I asked her why they have a telephone next to the toilet in the bathroom. She laughed, apologized and said she’ll call back another time.

I finished reading Lee Child’s No Plan B (Jack Reacher #27). I have to admit it’s getting difficult to keep track of characters and plot points in my books. If that’s difficult for me at my age, imagine if I was president of the United States.

The plan for tomorrow, according to Teresa: hit the beach early, have breakfast and return to the room by 11am for final showers and packing so we can check-out by noon.

I read some from my book and I was in bed by 10:30.

 

RELEASE ALL THE EPSTEIN FILES NOW!

 

FUNNY

 

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Last night I went to bed at 11:15, got up once during the night, finally waking/getting up at 7:30.

Today is my 13^th anniversary moving to Medellin, Colombia. I think I’ll go for 14.

About 10:45 last night Laura texted me she went through immigration in Boston with no problem.

It’s cloudy at the moment but I expect it to change soon.

We left our room at 9am and had breakfast in the Hoyo 19 restaurant. In addition to the fruit bar I ordered chocolate pancakes which ended up being 2 small pancakes with a smear of chocolate next to it on the plate, plus something else I don’t even know what it was. I also had a couple café con leches.

Chesswiz98 resigned our game on the 21^st move, increasing my rating to 1530.

We found a couple chairs on the beach that we used during the morning.

Teresa told me she wants to spend the holidays this year in Costa Rica instead of Santa Marta.

We left at 1:30 and had lunch in the buffet.

Back at the beach we each had pina coladas (easy on the alcohol) a few times.

Troyclough resigned our game on the 26^th move, increasing my rating to 1536.

We left the beach at 4:30 and returned to our room.

I can see now I’m a little burned on my front ☹ but Teresa’s got the beginning of a nice tan.

I need to remember to check-in tomorrow for our COPA flight on Thursday.

We were both freezing as we left the apt at 8pm and walked to the Miramar buffet. I tried two different cuts of beef; one was so fatty I couldn’t eat it and the other was so tough I couldn’t eat it.

We stopped in Miniso where we bought a travel mirror for Teresa and 2 packages of 50 dental flossers. The total amount came to $8.08 and I paid for it with my debit card. We stopped in the theater and took the same seats as the other day. Tonight it’s Legacy of Madonna. Teresa asked me, as she often does, if Madonna is still alive. I set my cellphone to ChatGPT and asked her to ask the question again. Of course, the answer was in Spanish but I’m trying to get her used to this app.

The show doesn’t start until 10pm but at 9:40 Teresa wanted to return to our room.

I read some from my book and we were in bed by 11pm.

 

RELEASE ALL THE EPSTEIN FILES NOW!

 

FUNNY

Monday, January 19, 2026

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

Wondering why there would be a landline next to the toilet in our bathroom.

I opened a small bottle of water from our fridge to refill our thermos only to discover it was Ginger Ale. 😊

It’s obvious now I have a cold. ☹ Having a runny nose isn’t any fun here - or anywhere.

Laura still wasn’t up so Teresa and I had breakfast in the buffet. I had an omelet, French toast with honey (beginning to suspect they don’t have maple syrup) and a couple of not so hot cups of coffee.

We found three chairs together near the pool and saved one for Laura for her last day.

About 10am I made a trip to the fitness center. I did a few reps on the leg extension machine using the same 120# I do on the machine in Envigado. Mistake! The machines are different and I’ve been away a week and should have put it at 100#. Later, a couple times I felt like my right knee was slipping. ☹ I also used a 10# dumbbell to do some curls, arm extensions and shoulder extensions. Basically, the same routine I do at home when I can’t get to the gym.

Laura joined us and stayed with us today instead of wondering off to meet others in the pool.

We returned to our room, Laura showered, dressed and packed and we took her carryon with us to the buffet.

I had rice and beans, some tasty pork, and a cookie and ice cream for dessert.

We went to the lobby at 4pm where Laura checked out then caught an Uber to the airport for her 6pm flight.

Chesswiz98 resigned our game in 16 moves increasing my rating to 1524.

We returned to our room and while Teresa got some sun outside on our patio I got caught up on my blog then took a nap.

I’ve got pieces of toilet paper stuffed up each nostril to block the dripping.

We left at 8pm for a buffet supper then headed over to the theater for the 10pm show.

For some reason Teresa chose a table with chairs that not only were the furthest away, but diagonally from the stage. Just before showtime a young man comes over and asks if I speak English. After I confirmed I did he asked me what my secret was for my full head of hair. I told him, “Choose your parents wisely”. He said that was deep and he’d have to think about that. Tonight’s show, Michael Jackson, was pretty good. Often imitated, never duplicated. At one point a boy comes over and leans on the balcony and I had to go over and ask him to sit down as he was blocking our view. I don’t even know if he spoke English but he soon moved. We left just before the end and returned to our room.

 

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FUNNY

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Game day!

We had breakfast and lunch and spent a lot of time by the pool.

Laura had an admirer. A 30-year-old black man that organizes games at the pool. He told Laura he wanted to marry her and asked us for permission. 😊 (After Laura left the next day he turned his affections in another direction.)

At 6:45 I headed to the sports bar. I had a double burger but the bun was old and dry and fell apart. I ate 2/3 of it then took a seat on the business side of their large screen TV. 

They have 3 or 4 rows of stadium seating with comfortable sofa like chairs. I got a seat in the 2^nd row front and center next to a couple from Minnesota. I got a little nervous as they showed the end of the Patriots vs Texans game then had after game coverage but right at 7:30 the switched to the Bears vs Rams game. Most of the fans were cheering for the Bears. Only one, very loud, fan was cheering for the Rams.

It was like -8 degrees Celsius in Chicago with snow flurries. LA scored first but the Bears tied it up 10-10 at the half.

The Bears were down 17-10 with less than a minute left in the 4^th quarter, it was 4^th down and Caleb Williams was being chased in the backfield when he threw a 65-yard TD to the corner of the endzone to tie it. It soon went into overtime and the Bears drove down the field only to have Caleb throw and interception that they took down the field and scored a field goal to win the game. ☹

I finished Harlan Coben’s Tell No One on my Kindle which I thought was good enough I’ll try a couple more of his books.

 

RELEASE ALL THE EPSTEIN FILES NOW!

 

FUNNY

Saturday, January 17, 2026

Last night I took my Diphenhydramine and Zopiclona tablets and went to bed at 10pm. I slept through the night finally waking/getting up at 7:15.

The third receipt for a special dinner Laura gave me last night is for tonight at 9pm and it’s a fish restaurant but she said they have meat and chicken for me.

Teresa and I went to the golf restaurant for breakfast. I ordered what they translated as an omelet with spinach, onion and peppers but when it came it looked more like quiche with the ingredients on the side.

 ☹ The Spanish translation they had for it was a tortilla. Well, you’ve got to expect some surprises when visiting foreign countries.

We found the other family by the pool and they had saved chairs for us. They soon said goodbye as their vacation was over and they had to head for the airport. Eloy and I exchanged contact information but later Laura indicated she wasn’t interested - he wasn’t cute enough for her.

About 1:30 Teresa and I went to the buffet where we had better luck than the other day. Separately I found beans and rice and combined hem together for my first course. I then found lasagna – I could see heat rising from the pan so I figured it couldn’t be too cold. It turned out to be at least warm enough. I found teriyaki pasta that was pretty good and I found some kind of nutty thing for dessert that was so good Teresa went back for some for herself after one taste.

As we left it was obvious it had rained while we were at lunch and was still drizzling lightly. Luckily, we had brought almost everything with us so nothing got wet. We found Laura under cover by the pool. She was chatting with some gringos when we left.

We stopped in Miniso where Teresa had found some good quality Flossers but I didn’t have cash with me at the moment so we just returned to our room.

I took my shower and worked on my blog while Teresa got some more sun on a chaise lounge she found outside behind our room.

Troyclough resigned our game on the 32^nd move increasing my rating to 1523. Mekael965 resigned our game on the 41^st move increasing my rating to 1531.

I lost a game to chesswiz98 lowering my rating to 1518.

We arrived for our specialty dinner at the seafood restaurant but were told they had a special event but sent us around the corner to the steak place but they had the seafood menu. I ordered a solomillo which was okay although it was a small piece of meat. The ladies weren’t impressed with the quality or quantity of their seafood.

Laura left us about 9:45 and took an Uber to Coco Bongo to meet up with some gringos she met on the beach.

We returned to our room and prepared for bed.

 

RELEASE ALL THE EPSTEIN FILES NOW!

 

FUNNY

Friday, January 16, 2026

Last night I took my Diphenhydramine and Zopiclona tablets and went to bed at 11:30. I got up once during the night, finally waking up at 7:30 and getting up at 8:15 with Teresa. (So much for being on the beach early.)

Today Annie James is 4 months old.

 Laura was awake but still in bed when Teresa and I left at 8:45. We had trouble finding available chairs on the beach but luckily the family from yesterday saved three for us.

The young man is 30 years old, has lived in Curacao, Colombia, and now lives in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. He is in Information Technology and speaks, English, Spanish, and Dutch. Dutch is normally spoken there but students learn German in elementary school then they have their choice of Spanish, Latin, or Greek as an elective in secondary school. He said last week they were at Melea Caribe Beach Resort and the food was great. This is their last day as they head back tomorrow.

I left about 2:30, returned to our room, took a shower, then returned to the beach. Teresa wasn’t hungry but asked me to pick up a green apple for her. I had a burger in Strikers then when I returned to the beach with two small apples only Eloy was there and he said the ladies had gone for lunch. I asked if he knew where and they said they were going to the DR restaurant next to Miramar. When I got to Miramar it was closed so I walked through the DR side but didn’t see them.

I returned to the beach but they still weren’t there.

On the way to our room I stopped to cool down and got a message that they were in Strikers. I headed there and when I arrived they were almost ready to leave. I had a dish of ice cream then they headed back to the beach and I to our room. I retrieved my laptop and took it back to Strikers to work on my blog.

I left at 5pm and returned to our room.

I found I have blisters on two toes on my right foot from walking so much in my sandals.

We had supper in strikers and Laura gave me three receipts for special dinners. Only problem is two of them are for 9pm the same night, Sunday and I won’t be able to enjoy either of them because my game starts at 7:30.

We decided to skip the theater tonight and just returned to our room and soon we all went to bed.

 

RELEASE ALL THE EPSTEIN FILES NOW!

 

FUNNY

 

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Last night I took my Diphenhydramine and Zopiclona tablets and went to bed at midnight. I woke up once feeling quite cold and Teresa shared her blanket with me. I woke/got up at 7:15.

We got dressed and walked to the beach. It took a little while for us to find 3 chaise lounges in the same area. They headed for the sun while I tended more towards the shade not wanting to overdue my first day. I took a walk to the point, 3 lifeguard stations away. On my way back I saw a lizard sand sculpture about 10 feet long. I inquired at the second lifeguard station if that area was the Premium area but the guard said it was the family area.

Near our chairs we met a family from Venezuela now living in The Netherlands that Teresa and Laura spent some time talking too. At one point I heard the woman say that a mammography is like opening a refrigerator, putting your boobs in then shutting the door.

We had breakfast in the restaurant bar Hoyo 19 again then headed back to the beach.

Here’s a new video of Annie James.

I left at 2:15, returned to the apt and took a shower. I found a short cut to the beach but it’s still a bit of a walk. I guess I’ll get my steps in that way. I counted them and it’s about 860 steps.

I returned to the beach and Teresa and I had lunch in the sports bar Strikers. They had pizza, burgers and hot dogs but they had a salad bar so Teresa was happy. They are open 24 hours and I wonder if they will be showing the Bears game Sunday night.

I got Teresa back to the beach then returned to our room and picked up my laptop and took it back to Strikers so I could work on my blog.

I received nice comments, in Spanish, from an Armando V who apparently read my blog for the first time.

Two American couples came in and took a nearby table and it was like they were shouting at each other from the beginning. Really loud! About 30 minutes later it suddenly got quiet and I realized the gringos had left.

I finished up at 5:15 and returned my laptop to our room.

The ladies came back and got cleaned up. We had supper in Hoyo 19 then I showed them the shortcut to the beach. We walked by the theater – tonight is Fantasy night, Laura thinks it’s mainly for kids. We walked by a couple times and they had karaoke – really awful. We had no problem getting seats for the 10pm show. We knew it wasn’t for us when costumed Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Ariel came on stage. We soon left and returned to the apt. I read a little until 11:30 then quickly fell asleep.

 

RELEASE ALL THE EPSTEIN FILES NOW!

 

FUNNY

 

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Last night I took my Diphenhydramine and Zopiclona tablets and went to bed at 7:30, last looked at the clock at 11:53, finally falling asleep and waking/getting up by alarm at 1am.

It’s raining hard again.

I took my shower and gathered my final things together and waited 15 minutes for Kely (sp?) to arrive at 2am. She was right on time.

The rain was down to just a few raindrops until we cleared the tunnel then it was pouring again.

We were at the airport by 2:45am, I paid 170mil again, and we got in the same long line as Monday, hoping for a different result. We were halfway through the line when an airport rep announced our line was for 5am flights and another line was for 6am flights. The other line was now much longer so I told Teresa to stay put. When it was our turn at the counter the rep took my cellphone with the e-ticket screen shot, checked information contained therein then took a photo of it with Teresa’s cellphone. I understand we will need that for when we leave the Dominican Republic. We went through the TSA and customs checks without any problem and at 4:30 we were waiting at the gate for our 6:26am flight to Panama.

I found a table where I set up my laptop to write some blog notes.

This flight was COPA CM209 and Teresa had an aisle seat in 30D and I had the middle seat next to her in 30E. We left on time arriving on time in Panama City (PTY), a 1 ½ hour flight. All they gave us to eat was a small package of platinitos (sp?), plus drinks. We had a tick over an hour until our next flight. I had already checked the airport schematic and knew there were two terminals – 1 & 2. I couldn’t see our next flight on the departures board but surmised it was probably in the other terminal. Sine we were at the end of the terminal wing we had only one direction to go. It was a long walk but I soon saw our flight on another departure board. We went directly to the gate and I asked at the counter which group was being boarded and was told all groups. We boarded and I took a middle seat in 9E while Tereasa got a window seat in 18F.  Our flight COPA CM 321 took off on time and landed on time. This time they gave us the same plantain chips as last time plus a package of little spiral cookies.

It was now 12:30, we went through immigration, picked up our bags at baggage claim then headed to an area where they scan the bags. They waved us through, probably concentrating more on the youngsters. I texted Laura that we had just landed. I knew she was flying in on the same day but was surprised to find out that she was just landing. We decided to wait for her just before exiting the airport where the chaos begins. I talked to a guy holding a “taxi” sign and learned it would be $30 for a ride to our hotel – Barcelo Bavaro Palace. (From ChatGPT I expected more like $35-$50.)

Laura arrived after about a 20-minute wait and we were soon in a van to our resort.

We had a long wait at the front desk, first there was a group of 12 checking in then some others went ahead of us from the line next to us which I assume was because they had Premium reservations.

When it was our turn, at first they couldn’t find the reservation because they were looking for 3 arriving today and it was under 2 arriving last Monday. Laura expected to pay something like $150 a night x 4 which would be $160 but the charge was something like $123 but I think they charge by the day as the total bill was till over $600. Then there was another long wait (Domincan Republic time?) while they looked for a room for us. She found a room, put bracelets on us and scanned them with our room number so we could use them as keys. 😊 We ended up in room 8552 near the golf course, a long way from the beach. I tipped the porter $5, not being as rich as before and not having many US dollars.

We were starving and on our way to finding the buffet we found Hoyo 19, this restaurant bar.

We ordered off the menu and the food was adequate.

We went to the beach and sat until about 7pm just before getting dark. We had supper in their buffet, Myanmar, but were unimpressed mainly because all the food was cold – they had no food warmers.

We left at 9:45 and walked a short distance to their theater and easily found 3 seats, unfortunately because under a large fan making it pretty cold. Their show, Circus, started on time at 10pm and it was pretty impressive mainly SHOWING gymnastics. It ended at 10:50 and we returned to our room.

I finished my Kindle book, Lee Child’s The Sentinel (Jack Reacher #25) and went to bed quickly falling asleep.

 

RELEASE ALL THE EPSTEIN FILES NOW!

 

FUNNY

 

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Last night I took my Diphenhydramine and Zopiclona tablets and went to bed at 10:30, finally waking/getting up 5:30.

It soon started raining, looks like it will be another cool, wet day.

Laura sent me the link for Dominican Republic’s Customs form - eticket.migracion.gob.do – and as soon as I typed in the “et” my laptop remembered the entire link.

ChatGPT helped with the cruise terms, “Port of Origen”, “Port of Embarkation” and “Port of Disembarkation”. I finally received the required QR Code and took a screenshot with my cellphone.

I left the apt just before 8am and as soon as Mercado Madrid opened I purchased milk, eggs, and a package of Fab laundry detergent.

Back at the apt I had a breakfast of 3 scrambled eggs and an English muffin.

I left just after 9am in a light drizzle and walked to Ganso y Castor where I had a latte while catching up with the chess games on my cellphone. The park was nearly empty. I learned the next Bears game is Sunday at 6:30 Eastern which is 7:30 DR time. I watched the highlights again of the Bears beating the packers using the DAZN app on my cellphone. The rain had stopped by 10:45 when I left and returned to the apt.

Teresa called and left a message with Kely for a 2am pickup for tomorrow to the airport.

Teresa made spaghetti for lunch.

I basically vegged out the rest of the afternoon. I finished the Netflix series Run Away and read some from my Kindle.

It rained most of the evening but stopped by the time I went to bed at 7:30.

 

RELEASE ALL THE EPSTEIN FILES NOW!

 

FUNNY