I again got up around 5:00 this morning, and this time I went to the gym and worked out. It was surprisingly warm this morning, I think because of the somewhat higher humidity and the lack of very much breeze. But it was still quite comfortable.
I had several shopping errands I had to do this morning. First, I went to the pharmacy to get a few items, then to the pet store to get cat litter and cat food, then to the health food store to get some things I can't get at the regular market, and finally to the regular market. There were LOTS of people EVERYWHERE today, since it was an ערב חג erev khag, the day before a holiday (tomorrow, actually beginning tonight, of course, is the first day of Sukkot). Anyway, I had to wait quite a while at the pharmacy, and I have never seen so many people at the big Shufersal (the supermarket we regularly shop at)! They had nearly all the checkouts working, though, so I was able to complete my shopping there surprisingly quickly.
We ate lunch at Manga at the old mall today. We had pad thai (or, as they call it here "pathai") with tofu. It was delicious. There were also LOTS of people at the mall, but we managed to get a table in the food court there by grabbing it when some people got up from it.
I spent most of the afternoon playing with my computer. I recently updated my version of a program called "Parallels Desktop" so that it will run under Mountain Lion, the latest Mac OS. Parallels Desktop is a really cool program because it allows one to run OTHER operating systems on top of the Mac OS. So, currently I can run Windows XP, Ubuntu Linux, Chrome OS, a Windows 8 Preview, and an experimental version of Android. It's fun to be able to try these out, although I have little or no actual serious need to run ANY of these on my Mac.
Late this afternoon, there was a LOT of wind outside. We didn't go out, but we could hear it blowing like crazy. I wonder how many sukkot (temporary booths people build for the holiday) blew over! However, it quieted done later, and so we still had time for a pleasant walk, especially since it also cooled off nicely.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
29 September 2012
I got up early this morning (around 5:00 a.m.). I had decided to hike up Nakhal Yoash again, planning also to try to go up the hill that lies just south of the beautiful valley. There is an unmarked yet clearly used trail up to that peak from the ridge west of the valley (where the marked trail goes), but when I actually got close to it, I decided it was a bit steeper than I wanted to try. In particular, it can be a bit scary and even dangerous to come DOWN a very steep trail if it is also covered with lots of loose gravel or small rocks. So, I decided to go the other way (north) and follow the marked trail in that direction, towards the highway. In the end, I walked all the way up to highway 12, hitting it just this side of the security checkpoint. Then I walked back to my car on the highway (down, down, down!), which took me about 35 minutes.
After breakfast this morning, David wanted to get out of the house, so I suggested that we drive up highway 40 and try one of the unpaved roads that goes up or down one of the nakhals. We had first thought of Nakhal Tzikhor, but the signs indicated that we were not allowed in those areas because the military uses them for practice (perhaps we could still have done it if we had coordinated ahead of time, something that I know can sometimes be done). So, we continued a little further north, to Nakhal Paran. It was also off-limits in the upstream direction, but the downstream direction was okay. So that's the way we went.
These roads are really better suited to 4WD vehicles with higher clearance that our little Panda, but often they are quite passable for us, as well. Most of the road, in fact, was fine for us, but we eventually came to some areas with pretty deep and loose gravel, and we barely made it through. I was really hoping that we'd be able to go all the way through to Paran itself, down in the Arava near highway 90. But we eventually came to an area where the road went into the stream bed fairly abruptly. I figured we could probably make it in, but I was worried that, if we were forced to turn around further down, I'd have trouble making it back UP at that point. So we decided to turn around.
Unfortunately, when we got back to one of those really gravelly areas we had passed coming down, I didn't approach it fast enough, and we got stuck! I couldn't go forwards or backwards, and the front wheels were in so deep that the bottom of the car was down to the gravelly dirt. This is when David had the idea of using the floor mats from the car in front of and behind the drive wheels, to get some traction. I immediately thought it was a GREAT idea and proceeded to implement it. At first, I wasn't sure it was going to help, but before long I managed to get the car unstuck and back to a place on firmer ground (and the floor mats seem no worse for the wear, just a but dusty!). Then, by going quickly and staying to the side where the ground was firmer, I was able to get past that gravelly area. There was yet another gravelly area still ahead, but this time I was ready, and I absolutely SPED through it and managed NOT to get stuck again! We're going to have to be a bit more careful about these jeep roads, I think, but, all's well that ends well, and so it was an interesting adventure. By the way, the canyon is really quite beautiful (when I had a chance to look at it!). It's quite wide, but in some places there are nearly vertical cliffs on both sides.
When we returned to Eilat, we headed straight for the Ice Park & Mall and ate lunch at Greg there. I had a salad I hadn't tried before, which had French-fried yams on top of it and was quite nice. David had yam ravioli (an Israeli favorite -- practically EVERY restaurant and café has some version of it!) with a nice cream sauce. Both of us had large ice-cafés. After that, we returned home and talked to David's sister and her husband and granddaughter in Ohio (via Skype) for a while.
This evening, I posted another of my Mom's letters to her parents, this one dated September 27, 1951. You can read it here.
After breakfast this morning, David wanted to get out of the house, so I suggested that we drive up highway 40 and try one of the unpaved roads that goes up or down one of the nakhals. We had first thought of Nakhal Tzikhor, but the signs indicated that we were not allowed in those areas because the military uses them for practice (perhaps we could still have done it if we had coordinated ahead of time, something that I know can sometimes be done). So, we continued a little further north, to Nakhal Paran. It was also off-limits in the upstream direction, but the downstream direction was okay. So that's the way we went.
These roads are really better suited to 4WD vehicles with higher clearance that our little Panda, but often they are quite passable for us, as well. Most of the road, in fact, was fine for us, but we eventually came to some areas with pretty deep and loose gravel, and we barely made it through. I was really hoping that we'd be able to go all the way through to Paran itself, down in the Arava near highway 90. But we eventually came to an area where the road went into the stream bed fairly abruptly. I figured we could probably make it in, but I was worried that, if we were forced to turn around further down, I'd have trouble making it back UP at that point. So we decided to turn around.
Unfortunately, when we got back to one of those really gravelly areas we had passed coming down, I didn't approach it fast enough, and we got stuck! I couldn't go forwards or backwards, and the front wheels were in so deep that the bottom of the car was down to the gravelly dirt. This is when David had the idea of using the floor mats from the car in front of and behind the drive wheels, to get some traction. I immediately thought it was a GREAT idea and proceeded to implement it. At first, I wasn't sure it was going to help, but before long I managed to get the car unstuck and back to a place on firmer ground (and the floor mats seem no worse for the wear, just a but dusty!). Then, by going quickly and staying to the side where the ground was firmer, I was able to get past that gravelly area. There was yet another gravelly area still ahead, but this time I was ready, and I absolutely SPED through it and managed NOT to get stuck again! We're going to have to be a bit more careful about these jeep roads, I think, but, all's well that ends well, and so it was an interesting adventure. By the way, the canyon is really quite beautiful (when I had a chance to look at it!). It's quite wide, but in some places there are nearly vertical cliffs on both sides.
When we returned to Eilat, we headed straight for the Ice Park & Mall and ate lunch at Greg there. I had a salad I hadn't tried before, which had French-fried yams on top of it and was quite nice. David had yam ravioli (an Israeli favorite -- practically EVERY restaurant and café has some version of it!) with a nice cream sauce. Both of us had large ice-cafés. After that, we returned home and talked to David's sister and her husband and granddaughter in Ohio (via Skype) for a while.
This evening, I posted another of my Mom's letters to her parents, this one dated September 27, 1951. You can read it here.
Friday, September 28, 2012
28 September 2012
I got up quite early this morning and had a good workout. The weather was perfect, with a great breeze!
I walked down to the local bakery after breakfast to get our challot for this week, and I also got a few other goodies for us. The challot I got were whole-grain, with seeds on the crust, and they turned out to be very delicious.
I taught 2 classes for a total of 4 units today: 9:30-11:00 and 12:30-2:00. The second one was one of my regular students who usually has lessons on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Since I wasn't teaching on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, she had been scheduled with a substitute. But obviously she wanted to work only with me, because she canceled both of those and scheduled this one today. Furthermore, after our lesson today, she also rescheduled her lessons from the next two Mondays (which are holidays here in Israel, the first and last days of Sukkot) so that she would be working only with me.
We ate lunch late today, after I finished teaching. Luckily, Il Pentolino was still open (it's kosher, so it has to close well before the beginning of Shabbat), and we both enjoyed our meals. David had 4-cheese ravioli, and I had whole wheat spaghetti. Both of us had their vegetable cream sauce.
This evening after we had made Shabbat, we went for a short walk. Surprisingly, it felt rather hot out, and there wasn't much breeze. I think the humidity is a little higher than usual, too, and there were quite a few clouds in the sky.
I walked down to the local bakery after breakfast to get our challot for this week, and I also got a few other goodies for us. The challot I got were whole-grain, with seeds on the crust, and they turned out to be very delicious.
I taught 2 classes for a total of 4 units today: 9:30-11:00 and 12:30-2:00. The second one was one of my regular students who usually has lessons on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Since I wasn't teaching on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, she had been scheduled with a substitute. But obviously she wanted to work only with me, because she canceled both of those and scheduled this one today. Furthermore, after our lesson today, she also rescheduled her lessons from the next two Mondays (which are holidays here in Israel, the first and last days of Sukkot) so that she would be working only with me.
We ate lunch late today, after I finished teaching. Luckily, Il Pentolino was still open (it's kosher, so it has to close well before the beginning of Shabbat), and we both enjoyed our meals. David had 4-cheese ravioli, and I had whole wheat spaghetti. Both of us had their vegetable cream sauce.
This evening after we had made Shabbat, we went for a short walk. Surprisingly, it felt rather hot out, and there wasn't much breeze. I think the humidity is a little higher than usual, too, and there were quite a few clouds in the sky.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
27 September 2012
Since we went to bed somewhat early last night, I was able to get up very early this morning.
I had decided to drive over to Nakhal Shlomo just above the Camel Ranch and hike up a trail I had never been on before, following a tributary nakhal that comes in on the south side. However, when I got there, there was a large military tent and two soldiers standing guard, so it was obvious that I would NOT be able to go that way at all! I sure it because of border fence construction somewhere further down that way.
So I decided to drive on up Nakhal Shlomo, turning left at Nakhal Y'hoshafat, which I had never been in before. The road was pretty rough but passable, even in my car. I eventually came to the place where the road from Nakhal Rakhavam comes over a pass. I had hiked there (up Nakhal Rakhavam) several days ago. Today, I continued driving up Nakhal Y'hoshafat.
Somewhat further up, I saw a military humvee approaching, so I stopped at a wide spot so that they'd be able to pass me without any problems. When they got up beside me (there were at least 4 or 5 soldiers in the vehicle), they stopped and asked me (in Hebrew) what I was doing there. I told them אני מטייל ani m'tayel, which could be translated "I'm hiking" or "I'm going on an excursion". They asked me if I was familiar with the area, and I told them, yes, but that this was my first time in that nakhal. They told me to turn right ahead (which I was already planning to do, since I knew that there was a newly constructed road that went over a little pass into Nakhal Shlomo from somewhere not far ahead). It was hard to hear what they said because their vehicle was so noisy, but we managed to communicate successfully, all in Hebrew.
Sure enough, when I went around the next corner, I saw the road that goes over the pass. Of course, it also goes left, but a sign was posted there clearly but apologetically indicating (in Hebrew only!) that the "trail" was closed. I hadn't planned to go that way anyway, because I know that that goes towards the area (still some distance over) where they are still constructing the border fence. After I went over the pass and had almost gotten to highway 12 in Nakhal Shlomo, I saw an identical sign (facing the opposite direction) indicating that the road I had just come on was also a closed trail! Anyway, it was interesting to go up Nakhal Y'hoshafat, which I had never done before.
Since it was still only about 6:00 a.m., I decided to go the short distance up highway 12, park the car, and hike up to Nakhal Yoash, where my favorite beautiful little valley is. Indeed, it was as lovely as ever, and I enjoyed going up on a little pile of sandstone in the middle of the valley and sitting and just taking it in for several minutes before I hiked back down to my car and drove home.
Today, in the middle of the day, we did a little shopping at Office Depot and both malls (Mul HaYam and the Ice Park & Mall). We ate lunch at the Café Café in the Ice Park Mall.
This afternoon, I bought another audio book for David (from Audible.com) to try to help him stave off boredom. He seems to be enjoying it so far.
I had decided to drive over to Nakhal Shlomo just above the Camel Ranch and hike up a trail I had never been on before, following a tributary nakhal that comes in on the south side. However, when I got there, there was a large military tent and two soldiers standing guard, so it was obvious that I would NOT be able to go that way at all! I sure it because of border fence construction somewhere further down that way.
So I decided to drive on up Nakhal Shlomo, turning left at Nakhal Y'hoshafat, which I had never been in before. The road was pretty rough but passable, even in my car. I eventually came to the place where the road from Nakhal Rakhavam comes over a pass. I had hiked there (up Nakhal Rakhavam) several days ago. Today, I continued driving up Nakhal Y'hoshafat.
Somewhat further up, I saw a military humvee approaching, so I stopped at a wide spot so that they'd be able to pass me without any problems. When they got up beside me (there were at least 4 or 5 soldiers in the vehicle), they stopped and asked me (in Hebrew) what I was doing there. I told them אני מטייל ani m'tayel, which could be translated "I'm hiking" or "I'm going on an excursion". They asked me if I was familiar with the area, and I told them, yes, but that this was my first time in that nakhal. They told me to turn right ahead (which I was already planning to do, since I knew that there was a newly constructed road that went over a little pass into Nakhal Shlomo from somewhere not far ahead). It was hard to hear what they said because their vehicle was so noisy, but we managed to communicate successfully, all in Hebrew.
Sure enough, when I went around the next corner, I saw the road that goes over the pass. Of course, it also goes left, but a sign was posted there clearly but apologetically indicating (in Hebrew only!) that the "trail" was closed. I hadn't planned to go that way anyway, because I know that that goes towards the area (still some distance over) where they are still constructing the border fence. After I went over the pass and had almost gotten to highway 12 in Nakhal Shlomo, I saw an identical sign (facing the opposite direction) indicating that the road I had just come on was also a closed trail! Anyway, it was interesting to go up Nakhal Y'hoshafat, which I had never done before.
Since it was still only about 6:00 a.m., I decided to go the short distance up highway 12, park the car, and hike up to Nakhal Yoash, where my favorite beautiful little valley is. Indeed, it was as lovely as ever, and I enjoyed going up on a little pile of sandstone in the middle of the valley and sitting and just taking it in for several minutes before I hiked back down to my car and drove home.
Today, in the middle of the day, we did a little shopping at Office Depot and both malls (Mul HaYam and the Ice Park & Mall). We ate lunch at the Café Café in the Ice Park Mall.
This afternoon, I bought another audio book for David (from Audible.com) to try to help him stave off boredom. He seems to be enjoying it so far.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
26 September 2012
I got up at about the right time this morning, but I felt tired and did a rather lackluster exercise routine. Still, the important thing was that I got out and did something. The quiet of Yom Kippur morning certainly was lovely.
Not much to report about today. With everything closed and the roads basically off-limits to cars, we just stayed home and did very little. I did read quite a few news articles of all sorts. It was not as hot as a month ago but still too hot to go out for a walk in the middle of the day. We did go out again this evening, though, and again we enjoyed a couple of long sitting sessions on the green strip benches watching the families and kids enjoying "bicycle day". We came back home about the time guys with kippot were walking by, presumably on their way home for Neilah prayers (the final service of Yom Kippur).
The prayers and services in the synagogue on Yom Kippur can sometimes seem as though they'll never end, but sitting at home makes the day even MORE interminable. Still, we did make it through, and a new year of possibilities lies ahead of us!
Not much to report about today. With everything closed and the roads basically off-limits to cars, we just stayed home and did very little. I did read quite a few news articles of all sorts. It was not as hot as a month ago but still too hot to go out for a walk in the middle of the day. We did go out again this evening, though, and again we enjoyed a couple of long sitting sessions on the green strip benches watching the families and kids enjoying "bicycle day". We came back home about the time guys with kippot were walking by, presumably on their way home for Neilah prayers (the final service of Yom Kippur).
The prayers and services in the synagogue on Yom Kippur can sometimes seem as though they'll never end, but sitting at home makes the day even MORE interminable. Still, we did make it through, and a new year of possibilities lies ahead of us!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
25 September 2012
I got up early this morning and had a good exercise routine.
After breakfast, we decided to drive up to check out Ein N'tafim, which we had not been to before. A dirt road that branches off of highway 12 just beyond the checkpoint goes to the observation point. Unfortunately for us, the road became quite rough and uneven only a short way in, and I decided it would be wiser NOT to try to drive on it. We might have made it in but then gotten stuck when we tried to come back out (uphill). When the weather is cooler, I'll return, park the car before the rough area, and walk in, since it's not a great distance.
So, after our first plan didn't work out, we decided to drive the short loop once again. For some reason, it's always an interesting drive, I guess mostly because of all the diverse beauty of the desert.
We had planned to eat out today and have a good lunch, but we didn't realize how early the restaurants closed. In fact, perhaps some of them weren't even open today at all. In any case, we ended up eating at home.
We had originally planned to drive up north again and spend Yom Kippur with Congregation Emet V'Shalom. I had taken today and the day after Yom Kippur as vacation days from Berlitz to make this possible. But as we thought about it, we decided it would just be too much. I think the biggest problem would be the irregular eating -- if I eat a big meal late in the evening (as the break-fast after Yom Kippur must of necessity be), I tend not to sleep very well. This could have spelled disaster when I tried to drive home for 6 hours the next day.
This evening, we went for a walk and took two very long pauses sitting on different park benches in the green strip. It was nice to watch all the people out, some on their way to Kol Nidrei prayers, and many more out with their kids who were riding bicycles and some scooters. Bike riding on the empty streets (empty of motor traffic, that is!) is one of the BIG Yom Kippur traditions here in Israel!
After breakfast, we decided to drive up to check out Ein N'tafim, which we had not been to before. A dirt road that branches off of highway 12 just beyond the checkpoint goes to the observation point. Unfortunately for us, the road became quite rough and uneven only a short way in, and I decided it would be wiser NOT to try to drive on it. We might have made it in but then gotten stuck when we tried to come back out (uphill). When the weather is cooler, I'll return, park the car before the rough area, and walk in, since it's not a great distance.
So, after our first plan didn't work out, we decided to drive the short loop once again. For some reason, it's always an interesting drive, I guess mostly because of all the diverse beauty of the desert.
We had planned to eat out today and have a good lunch, but we didn't realize how early the restaurants closed. In fact, perhaps some of them weren't even open today at all. In any case, we ended up eating at home.
We had originally planned to drive up north again and spend Yom Kippur with Congregation Emet V'Shalom. I had taken today and the day after Yom Kippur as vacation days from Berlitz to make this possible. But as we thought about it, we decided it would just be too much. I think the biggest problem would be the irregular eating -- if I eat a big meal late in the evening (as the break-fast after Yom Kippur must of necessity be), I tend not to sleep very well. This could have spelled disaster when I tried to drive home for 6 hours the next day.
This evening, we went for a walk and took two very long pauses sitting on different park benches in the green strip. It was nice to watch all the people out, some on their way to Kol Nidrei prayers, and many more out with their kids who were riding bicycles and some scooters. Bike riding on the empty streets (empty of motor traffic, that is!) is one of the BIG Yom Kippur traditions here in Israel!
Monday, September 24, 2012
24 September 2012
I woke up late this morning. I knew this immediately because it was already light (although the sun wasn't actually up yet). Of course, we went off summer time yesterday morning, so, by the new time, it wasn't really late at all. Nevertheless, by the time I actually got out of bed I had less time than usual for exercise due to the fact that I had a 9:00 class. So, I walked to the big kikar, did my stretches, and walked back.
I had 3 interesting experiences on my walk back home. A guy (NOT wearing a kippa, BTW), whom I think I've seen but with whom I don't think I've even exchanged "Good morning!"s before, said to me, "Boker tov, ... g'mar khatima tova". For those of you whose Judaism might be slightly rusty, the latter part of that is the appropriate greeting for this time of year, just before Yom Kipur, and it means that he was wishing for me a good final sealing (in the heavenly books). THIS is one of the things I LOVE about living here in Israel -- even strangers on the street or at, for example, the gas station say these kinds of things to you!
Shortly after that, a woman who was out exercising walked past me wearing a tanktop. Like many shirts here in Israel, it had writing in English which, while technically correct and meaningful, still makes little logical sense and makes you scratch your head and wonder if they actually know what their shirt says. Hers said "High heels, high hopes". Of course, she was wearing sensible, athletic shoes!
As I crossed the top of the green strip on Harim street, I saw a young cat ahead. I figured he'd be another of the wild Israeli cats that won't let you get near them, but no! He came right over to me, and I even was able to pick him up. He responded with nice purring. When I put him down, he continued walking with me (and, like most cats, weaving in front of me, of course!) all the way to the corner of our street and even down the street a little. He was a young cat, and he was BEAUTIFUL -- orange-bronze with cream-colored paws, and all very elegant! So, it looks like I have yet another feline friend.
I taught 3 classes today, for a total of 6 units -- 9:00-10:30, 12:30-2:00, and 2:30-4:00. We ate lunch at home due to the somewhat inconvenient schedule. We had baby peas, vegeburger sandwiches (with good cheddar cheese, which is not so easy to get here sometimes!), and cold coffee (I mean with ice cubes in it!).
I had 3 interesting experiences on my walk back home. A guy (NOT wearing a kippa, BTW), whom I think I've seen but with whom I don't think I've even exchanged "Good morning!"s before, said to me, "Boker tov, ... g'mar khatima tova". For those of you whose Judaism might be slightly rusty, the latter part of that is the appropriate greeting for this time of year, just before Yom Kipur, and it means that he was wishing for me a good final sealing (in the heavenly books). THIS is one of the things I LOVE about living here in Israel -- even strangers on the street or at, for example, the gas station say these kinds of things to you!
Shortly after that, a woman who was out exercising walked past me wearing a tanktop. Like many shirts here in Israel, it had writing in English which, while technically correct and meaningful, still makes little logical sense and makes you scratch your head and wonder if they actually know what their shirt says. Hers said "High heels, high hopes". Of course, she was wearing sensible, athletic shoes!
As I crossed the top of the green strip on Harim street, I saw a young cat ahead. I figured he'd be another of the wild Israeli cats that won't let you get near them, but no! He came right over to me, and I even was able to pick him up. He responded with nice purring. When I put him down, he continued walking with me (and, like most cats, weaving in front of me, of course!) all the way to the corner of our street and even down the street a little. He was a young cat, and he was BEAUTIFUL -- orange-bronze with cream-colored paws, and all very elegant! So, it looks like I have yet another feline friend.
I taught 3 classes today, for a total of 6 units -- 9:00-10:30, 12:30-2:00, and 2:30-4:00. We ate lunch at home due to the somewhat inconvenient schedule. We had baby peas, vegeburger sandwiches (with good cheddar cheese, which is not so easy to get here sometimes!), and cold coffee (I mean with ice cubes in it!).
Sunday, September 23, 2012
23 September 2012
I got up early this morning and had a wonderful walk and exercise at the gym. The weather is getting really nice these days, especially in the early morning.
We decided to drive up and visit Ein Avedat Nation Park today. It's located near Sde Boker, a drive of about two and a half hours. To read MUCH more about this great trip and see a LOT of pictures I took while there, check out my blog post on my old blog by clicking here.
We decided to drive up and visit Ein Avedat Nation Park today. It's located near Sde Boker, a drive of about two and a half hours. To read MUCH more about this great trip and see a LOT of pictures I took while there, check out my blog post on my old blog by clicking here.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
22 September 2012
I got up quite early this morning and drove over to and up Nakhal Shlomo, turning left at the first major tributary (I think it's called Nakhal Rakhavam, or something like that). I drove up to where the road started getting rough and then parked the car and walked from there. A little ways up, I came around a corner and saw several soldiers on the ridge across the little valley ahead. I think the Egyptian border is somewhere in or just the other side of the next valley, and the fence is probably not yet finished in that area. Anyway, I just continued on the road I was on up to where it goes over a pass into the next little tributary of Nakhal Shlomo (whose name I've completely forgotten). From there, I walked a short distance up to the ridge on my left. The view was nice from there -- I could see the tower on Har Yehoram, the Jordanian mountains to the east, and a view into Egypt to the west and south. Of course, I could also still see soldiers patrolling on the far ridge. It's a beautiful, geologically interesting area but quite desolate. From there, I walked back, passing a Hummer full of soldiers that was coming up the road just before I got back to my car.
For lunch, we went to Greg at the Ice Park Mall. David had a toasted bagel sandwich, and I had their Labaneh salad, which was really a slightly fancier and much larger version of typical Israeli chopped salad. It was good, but nothing that special. We both had small ice-cafés and dessert -- I had a little round cheese cake, and David had a personal-size apple pie (which actually tasted quite American!).
This afternoon, I wrote new posts in both my other blogs. Click here to read about Iranian incitement to genocide, the Obama administration and Israel, and ignoring what politicians SAY. Click here to read a letter my mom wrote to her parents on September 18, 1951 (4 days after her 34th birthday and more than a year before I was born).
This evening, we went over to Moshe and Bob's (3 doors down from us) to visit and to try out Moshe's new electric piano (the one we brought down here to him last week, from his parents' place in Netanya). It was fun to try out the instrument, and before we left another of Moshe's friends who is a pianist came by. He played a couple of pieces for us, and his rendition of the famous first movement of Beethoven's "Moonlight" Sonata was really lovely.
For lunch, we went to Greg at the Ice Park Mall. David had a toasted bagel sandwich, and I had their Labaneh salad, which was really a slightly fancier and much larger version of typical Israeli chopped salad. It was good, but nothing that special. We both had small ice-cafés and dessert -- I had a little round cheese cake, and David had a personal-size apple pie (which actually tasted quite American!).
This afternoon, I wrote new posts in both my other blogs. Click here to read about Iranian incitement to genocide, the Obama administration and Israel, and ignoring what politicians SAY. Click here to read a letter my mom wrote to her parents on September 18, 1951 (4 days after her 34th birthday and more than a year before I was born).
This evening, we went over to Moshe and Bob's (3 doors down from us) to visit and to try out Moshe's new electric piano (the one we brought down here to him last week, from his parents' place in Netanya). It was fun to try out the instrument, and before we left another of Moshe's friends who is a pianist came by. He played a couple of pieces for us, and his rendition of the famous first movement of Beethoven's "Moonlight" Sonata was really lovely.
Friday, September 21, 2012
21 September 2012
This morning I again got up quite early and got a good walk and exercise at the gym.
After breakfast, I walked down to the local bakery and bought two challot, two cinnamon rolls (for David), and two cheese burekas (for me).
I had only one class today (2 units), 10:30-12:00.
We tried out an eatery at the Ice Park Mall where we had never eaten before. It's called Kakao. David had a noodle dish with an Asian sauce, and I had a Greek salad. We both had red grapefruit juice and water to drink. The dishes were a little different from what we expected but not bad. We spent significantly less money than we usually do for lunch, so that was good. After eating, we did a bit more window shopping and general strolling around the mall.
This evening, we made Shabbat together, ate one challah and all the other things I got at the bakery. Otherwise, we're just spending a quiet evening.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
20 September 2012
I got up early this morning and had a wonderful walk and exercise at the gym, all before the sun even came up over the Jordanian mountains.
I taught a 3-unit class this morning (9:00-11:15) and am scheduled for 2 more units this evening (7:30-9:00).
We ate at Greg again today. David had papparadelle again (with mushroom cream sauce), but I tried their "Home Prize" salad, which I had never had before. It had potato cubes seasoned with a hot and spicy sauce (not TOO hot!), lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, other greens, and a few nuts and raisins. It was delicious! We both had small ice-cafés. While we were at the Ice Park Mall, we walked all the way around both levels, looking at all the various shops. The number of different shoe stores and jewelry places is really quite amazing. At least we got a bit of walking in this way!
This afternoon, I went to the Maccabi pharmacy and picked up our medicines for the month. I try to do this in the early to mid afternoon, when they are the least busy, both because I don't like waiting long and also because our order takes them quite some time to fill and I don't want to hold up other customers too much if I can avoid it.
I taught a 3-unit class this morning (9:00-11:15) and am scheduled for 2 more units this evening (7:30-9:00).
We ate at Greg again today. David had papparadelle again (with mushroom cream sauce), but I tried their "Home Prize" salad, which I had never had before. It had potato cubes seasoned with a hot and spicy sauce (not TOO hot!), lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, other greens, and a few nuts and raisins. It was delicious! We both had small ice-cafés. While we were at the Ice Park Mall, we walked all the way around both levels, looking at all the various shops. The number of different shoe stores and jewelry places is really quite amazing. At least we got a bit of walking in this way!
This afternoon, I went to the Maccabi pharmacy and picked up our medicines for the month. I try to do this in the early to mid afternoon, when they are the least busy, both because I don't like waiting long and also because our order takes them quite some time to fill and I don't want to hold up other customers too much if I can avoid it.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
19 September 2012
I woke up quite early this morning, but I just couldn't quite drag myself out of bed, so I actually got up quite late and didn't get out and exercise at all.
I did the weekly supermarket shopping this morning, and we ate lunch at home since I had a 1:00 student. I also had classes at 3:00 and 6:00, for a total of 6 units for the day. The last one ended up being a no-show, so I was able to leave after an hour instead of staying the full hour and a half.
David and I had a good walk this evening, including a nice visit with or dog-walking friends, Karen, Liz, and Ginette.
I did the weekly supermarket shopping this morning, and we ate lunch at home since I had a 1:00 student. I also had classes at 3:00 and 6:00, for a total of 6 units for the day. The last one ended up being a no-show, so I was able to leave after an hour instead of staying the full hour and a half.
David and I had a good walk this evening, including a nice visit with or dog-walking friends, Karen, Liz, and Ginette.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
18 September 2012
The Rosh HaShana feast at our friends' house was wonderful, both the food and the company. Prayers both Sunday evening and Monday morning were inspirational and thought-provoking. All in all, it was a great experience.
This morning we both woke up very early. We ate breakfast at Aroma in Nahariya, took one more drive up to Rosh HaNikra (taking a little peak at Lebanon), and then headed south.
Our friend, Moshe, here in Eilat had bought an electric piano, but it was still unassembled and at his parents' house in Netanya. So we had agreed to pick it up and bring it back with us. Therefore, instead of going on highway 70 through Yokneam, we went through the krayot and the Carmel Tunnels and then went south on highway 2. After meeting his lovely parents and loading the instrument into our car (it barely fit!), we continue south on highway 2 and took highway 5 over to highway 6. From there we continued home on highways 40 and 12, arriving here just before 3:00.
One final note: besides a LOT of Israel, today we saw Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. The only neighbor of Israel that we did NOT see was Syria.
This morning we both woke up very early. We ate breakfast at Aroma in Nahariya, took one more drive up to Rosh HaNikra (taking a little peak at Lebanon), and then headed south.
Our friend, Moshe, here in Eilat had bought an electric piano, but it was still unassembled and at his parents' house in Netanya. So we had agreed to pick it up and bring it back with us. Therefore, instead of going on highway 70 through Yokneam, we went through the krayot and the Carmel Tunnels and then went south on highway 2. After meeting his lovely parents and loading the instrument into our car (it barely fit!), we continue south on highway 2 and took highway 5 over to highway 6. From there we continued home on highways 40 and 12, arriving here just before 3:00.
One final note: besides a LOT of Israel, today we saw Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. The only neighbor of Israel that we did NOT see was Syria.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
16 September 2012
I got up very early this morning. I walked to the gym, had a good work out, and walked back home, stopping to do my stretches at the usual spot.
We left home well before 9:00. We stopped to fill up before leaving town in order to have as much tax-free fuel on board as possible. We had a good trip, stopping only at Mitzpe Ramon, the Yellow station just south of where highway 6 begins, and at the northern rest stop on highway 6 (plus a couple of quick roadside pit stops). We ate lunch at the last stop. We hit heavy traffic at the end of highway 6, going into Yokneam, and before the Akhihud Junction.
In a few minutes we'll head for Erev Rosh HaShana prayers and then to our friends' house for a holiday meal.
We left home well before 9:00. We stopped to fill up before leaving town in order to have as much tax-free fuel on board as possible. We had a good trip, stopping only at Mitzpe Ramon, the Yellow station just south of where highway 6 begins, and at the northern rest stop on highway 6 (plus a couple of quick roadside pit stops). We ate lunch at the last stop. We hit heavy traffic at the end of highway 6, going into Yokneam, and before the Akhihud Junction.
In a few minutes we'll head for Erev Rosh HaShana prayers and then to our friends' house for a holiday meal.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
15 September 2012
I got up fairly early this morning, and I decided to hike up into the beautiful valley of Nakhal Yoash. I hadn't been there in quite a while, and I really enjoyed the hike.
For lunch, we went to Greg's again. But before we ate we walked around the Ice Park Mall for a bit on both levels. We also walked around some more AFTER eating. David had a small pizza, and I had their "toast salad". We both had large ice-cafés.
This afternoon, I began getting things together for our trip north. Tomorrow, we'll be going up to Nahariya for Rosh HaShana there. We'll be returning on Tuesday to Eilat.
For lunch, we went to Greg's again. But before we ate we walked around the Ice Park Mall for a bit on both levels. We also walked around some more AFTER eating. David had a small pizza, and I had their "toast salad". We both had large ice-cafés.
This afternoon, I began getting things together for our trip north. Tomorrow, we'll be going up to Nahariya for Rosh HaShana there. We'll be returning on Tuesday to Eilat.
Friday, September 14, 2012
14 September 2012
I got up plenty early this morning for good exercise at the gym. The weather was beautiful out! It has definitely cooled off, and I actually wore my tank top again and was not too hot. There was a lovely breeze!
This morning I did various small tasks, such as taking paper and plastic bottles for recycling and going down to the bakery and buying challot for Shabbat. In the afternoon, I did some much-needed floor cleaning. I actually did only spot cleaning, but at least the floors do look better in the places where they formerly looked the worst. I had no Berlitz work today.
For lunch, we went again to Il Pentolino. We both had fettucine with a stir-fried vegetable sauce. It was delicious, although they put just slightly too much black pepper in the sauce.
Today would have been my mom's 95th birthday if she were still alive. In her honor, I posted another post to "her" blog, which you can read here.
This morning I did various small tasks, such as taking paper and plastic bottles for recycling and going down to the bakery and buying challot for Shabbat. In the afternoon, I did some much-needed floor cleaning. I actually did only spot cleaning, but at least the floors do look better in the places where they formerly looked the worst. I had no Berlitz work today.
For lunch, we went again to Il Pentolino. We both had fettucine with a stir-fried vegetable sauce. It was delicious, although they put just slightly too much black pepper in the sauce.
Today would have been my mom's 95th birthday if she were still alive. In her honor, I posted another post to "her" blog, which you can read here.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
13 September 2012
Today, I was a little tired and achy, and I got up a little late, so I didn't go out to exercise at all.
I did get some good work done around the house this morning, though. I swept the mirpeset (balcony) and the kitchen floor, both of which have been needing it badly for some time now. I also ran the dishwasher. I probably should have done more housecleaning, but that was about all I could muster for one day.
We ate at Greg's in the Ice Park Mall again today for lunch. I have their breakfast: an omelet, Israeli salad (chopped tomato, cucumber, red onion, and parsley with salt, a little olive oil, and lemon juice and/or vinegar for dressing), guacamole, a couple of soft cheeses, and a loaf of jabeta bread with butter. David has yam ravioli with a very rich mushroom rosé sauce. We both had small ice-cafés.
After lunch, we filled the car with gas and went for a drive on the short loop.
I only had one class today (2 units), 7:30-9:00. I have none scheduled for tomorrow.
I did get some good work done around the house this morning, though. I swept the mirpeset (balcony) and the kitchen floor, both of which have been needing it badly for some time now. I also ran the dishwasher. I probably should have done more housecleaning, but that was about all I could muster for one day.
We ate at Greg's in the Ice Park Mall again today for lunch. I have their breakfast: an omelet, Israeli salad (chopped tomato, cucumber, red onion, and parsley with salt, a little olive oil, and lemon juice and/or vinegar for dressing), guacamole, a couple of soft cheeses, and a loaf of jabeta bread with butter. David has yam ravioli with a very rich mushroom rosé sauce. We both had small ice-cafés.
After lunch, we filled the car with gas and went for a drive on the short loop.
I only had one class today (2 units), 7:30-9:00. I have none scheduled for tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
12 September 2012
I got up a bit more easily this morning, and with less aching. David was also feeling better, although he still had a bit of nausea. I walked up Nakhal Shakhamon, across on the bicycle trail to highway 12, and back down the highway to town, stopping to do my stretches in the usual spot.
I taught 3 classes today (6 units): 1:00-2:30, 3:00-4:30, and 6:00-7:30. We ate lunch at home after pretty much taking it easy for the morning.
David again began to feel cold in the mid-afternoon, and this time we thought to take his temperature. It was 100.2˚F (38.9˚C). I gave him two optalgin pills, the fever eventually went away, and he generally just felt MUCH better than yesterday evening. Apparently, it was some kind of summer bug.
I taught 3 classes today (6 units): 1:00-2:30, 3:00-4:30, and 6:00-7:30. We ate lunch at home after pretty much taking it easy for the morning.
David again began to feel cold in the mid-afternoon, and this time we thought to take his temperature. It was 100.2˚F (38.9˚C). I gave him two optalgin pills, the fever eventually went away, and he generally just felt MUCH better than yesterday evening. Apparently, it was some kind of summer bug.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
11 September 2012
I had to pull myself out of bed this morning, and I was a bit achy, but I walked over to the gym, did some good exercises, and did my stretches on the way home. The weather is definitely beginning to cool down a bit now, but I still went very comfortably without any shirt at all.
I only had one class (2 units) today, from 3:00-4:30, so we decided to go out shopping a bit. First, we checked out a sporting goods store we had seen near Office Depot. We had hoped that they might have some interesting tank tops for us, but we didn't find any that we liked. So we decided to go over to the Ice Park Mall and look there. We looked everywhere there, but also found nothing interesting. However, it was quite pleasant in there, so we just hung out until it was time for lunch, and then ate omelet sandwiches at Greg's.
This evening, we were going to go for a walk, but something was wrong with David. First, he kept feeling cold, even though it was actually a big WARM in the house. He took a hot shower, but that didn't help. I thought he would warm up outside since it was even warmer out there. But when we set out for the walk, he could hardly walk. He was very stiff and was having some trouble with balance. So we just went over to a bench by our building and sat there for a long time. He was still a bit cold, but he did begin to warm up a little. When we got up to come back in, I was afraid he wouldn't even make it, but, luckily, he did. We talked briefly with his sister on Skype, but he obviously wasn't feeling well, so I got him off to bed. He got up briefly a little later, but he's back in bed now for the night. I hope that he'll be okay when he needs to get up to pee. We do have one of those hospital urinals next to the bed so that he won't have to get to the bathroom. I hope he'll be feeling much better by morning!
I only had one class (2 units) today, from 3:00-4:30, so we decided to go out shopping a bit. First, we checked out a sporting goods store we had seen near Office Depot. We had hoped that they might have some interesting tank tops for us, but we didn't find any that we liked. So we decided to go over to the Ice Park Mall and look there. We looked everywhere there, but also found nothing interesting. However, it was quite pleasant in there, so we just hung out until it was time for lunch, and then ate omelet sandwiches at Greg's.
This evening, we were going to go for a walk, but something was wrong with David. First, he kept feeling cold, even though it was actually a big WARM in the house. He took a hot shower, but that didn't help. I thought he would warm up outside since it was even warmer out there. But when we set out for the walk, he could hardly walk. He was very stiff and was having some trouble with balance. So we just went over to a bench by our building and sat there for a long time. He was still a bit cold, but he did begin to warm up a little. When we got up to come back in, I was afraid he wouldn't even make it, but, luckily, he did. We talked briefly with his sister on Skype, but he obviously wasn't feeling well, so I got him off to bed. He got up briefly a little later, but he's back in bed now for the night. I hope that he'll be okay when he needs to get up to pee. We do have one of those hospital urinals next to the bed so that he won't have to get to the bathroom. I hope he'll be feeling much better by morning!
Monday, September 10, 2012
10 September 2012
Last night I slept really well, and also long, which definitely made up for the night before. However, I got up quite late and so did not even go out for a walk this morning.
I taught 3 classes for a total of 6 units today: 9:45-11:15, 1:30-3:00, and 6:00-7:30.
We ate lunch at Café Café in the "old" mall, where we hadn't been for a while. In the late afternoon, I went grocery shopping since I was certainly too tired to do it after we came home yesterday (and hadn't planned to go then anyway).
This evening, we went over to Ice Park Mall (the new mall) and treated ourselves to a very sinful treat: Cinnabons! I hadn't had one of those in MANY years, since well before we even left the U.S. They were way beyond delicious! LOL
I taught 3 classes for a total of 6 units today: 9:45-11:15, 1:30-3:00, and 6:00-7:30.
We ate lunch at Café Café in the "old" mall, where we hadn't been for a while. In the late afternoon, I went grocery shopping since I was certainly too tired to do it after we came home yesterday (and hadn't planned to go then anyway).
This evening, we went over to Ice Park Mall (the new mall) and treated ourselves to a very sinful treat: Cinnabons! I hadn't had one of those in MANY years, since well before we even left the U.S. They were way beyond delicious! LOL
Sunday, September 9, 2012
9 September 2012
I had some trouble sleeping last night due to some difficulties that David was having. But I got a fair amount of sleep.
As soon as David finished the cup of herb tea that our hostess, Beth, had so graciously offered him after we got up this morning, we left their house in Nahariya and drove south to Rambam Medical Center, in Haifa. Unfortunately, we did NOT leave early enough to beat the rush hour traffic, so it was quite a long and slow journey.
When we finally did arrive at Rambam, we headed straight for the Aroma that is located there to have some breakfast. After that, we went over to see David's HIV doctor, Dr. Shafrir. We also talked some with Liora, the social worker there. Everyone in that department is always so wonderful. Even though there is an HIV clinic in Be'er Sheva, we will continue to travel to Haifa to benefit from the love and support of these wonderful people.
As soon as we left Rambam, we filled the car with gas and headed for home. After several stops for refreshments, lunch, and bathroom visits, we finally arrived home a little after 6:00 this evening, tired but happy to be back home. All 3 cats were obviously also very happy to see us.
As soon as David finished the cup of herb tea that our hostess, Beth, had so graciously offered him after we got up this morning, we left their house in Nahariya and drove south to Rambam Medical Center, in Haifa. Unfortunately, we did NOT leave early enough to beat the rush hour traffic, so it was quite a long and slow journey.
When we finally did arrive at Rambam, we headed straight for the Aroma that is located there to have some breakfast. After that, we went over to see David's HIV doctor, Dr. Shafrir. We also talked some with Liora, the social worker there. Everyone in that department is always so wonderful. Even though there is an HIV clinic in Be'er Sheva, we will continue to travel to Haifa to benefit from the love and support of these wonderful people.
As soon as we left Rambam, we filled the car with gas and headed for home. After several stops for refreshments, lunch, and bathroom visits, we finally arrived home a little after 6:00 this evening, tired but happy to be back home. All 3 cats were obviously also very happy to see us.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
8 September 2012
This morning I got up quite early and decided to walk in Nakhal Shlomo. I drove up to the place just before the highway leaves the nakhal, parked the car, and basically walked to the north end of the canyon. When I parked, it was still mostly dark, with some moonlight and the earliest glimmers of dawn. But it rapidly got lighter as I walked. It was really beautiful in the canyon and the perfect way to start a lovely Shabbat day.
Today, we drove up to Nahariya after eating a slightly early lunch at Greg's in the Ice Park Mall. It was really a lovely drive, as it always is when crossing the stunningly beautiful Negev Desert.
We're so thankful to our friends, the Loberants, for letting us stay with them tonight so that we can get to David's appointment at Rambam first thing in the morning. After that, we'll drive back home tomorrow.
Today, we drove up to Nahariya after eating a slightly early lunch at Greg's in the Ice Park Mall. It was really a lovely drive, as it always is when crossing the stunningly beautiful Negev Desert.
We're so thankful to our friends, the Loberants, for letting us stay with them tonight so that we can get to David's appointment at Rambam first thing in the morning. After that, we'll drive back home tomorrow.
Friday, September 7, 2012
7 September 2012
I got up early this morning and decided to walk as far up route 12 as I had time. I didn't really get all that far (only just past the huge fuel tanks), but it was good exercise since it's a steady grade uphill from the big kikar (traffic circle) on. There were also LOTS of bicyclists heading up that road. I took time to do my stretches at the usual spot before walking on home.
I taught 2 classes for a total of 4 units today (9:00 to 10:30 and 10:30 to 12:00).
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino. David had fettucine with a vegetable cream sauce, and I had whole-wheat spaghetti with a fried vegetable sauce. Both were, of course, delicious. In fact, I ate at least a third of David's in addition to my own!
This evening, we made Shabbat with candle-lighting, wine, and challah.
I taught 2 classes for a total of 4 units today (9:00 to 10:30 and 10:30 to 12:00).
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino. David had fettucine with a vegetable cream sauce, and I had whole-wheat spaghetti with a fried vegetable sauce. Both were, of course, delicious. In fact, I ate at least a third of David's in addition to my own!
This evening, we made Shabbat with candle-lighting, wine, and challah.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
6 September 2012
I was a little slow getting up this morning, but I still had time to walk to the big kikar, do my stretches, and walk home with plenty of time to spare.
I had 3 classes (6 units) to teach today, one group from 9:45 to 11:15, one student from 2:30 to 4:00, and another student from 7:30 to 9:00 (still upcoming as I write this).
We ate lunch today at the local bakery. David had pizza, and I had a breakfast (omelet, salad, bread, olives, cheese, and various spreads for the bread).
Both of us feel too tired this evening for a walk, even though we've done almost nothings all day today. Hmmm.....
I had 3 classes (6 units) to teach today, one group from 9:45 to 11:15, one student from 2:30 to 4:00, and another student from 7:30 to 9:00 (still upcoming as I write this).
We ate lunch today at the local bakery. David had pizza, and I had a breakfast (omelet, salad, bread, olives, cheese, and various spreads for the bread).
Both of us feel too tired this evening for a walk, even though we've done almost nothings all day today. Hmmm.....
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
5 September 2012
I got up in good time this morning and got in a good round of exercise. I hadn't slept perfectly, but it was okay. David didn't sleep really well, but he got more sleep than he has some nights.
We had an appointment with our family doctor this morning about David's sleep problems. The doctor was a bit puzzled, but he did prescribe a sleeping pill, and it's one that has been prescribed for David before. We'll see how it works tonight.
We ate at home today since I had a student at 1:00. We had vegeburgers and cut yellow beans. Besides the student from 1:00 to 2:30 I had a class from 3:00 to 4:30, giving me a total of 4 units today.
After I was done teaching, we took a drive around the small loop (highways 90 to 40 to 12, and back to Eilat that way). It's always a beautiful drive.
We had an appointment with our family doctor this morning about David's sleep problems. The doctor was a bit puzzled, but he did prescribe a sleeping pill, and it's one that has been prescribed for David before. We'll see how it works tonight.
We ate at home today since I had a student at 1:00. We had vegeburgers and cut yellow beans. Besides the student from 1:00 to 2:30 I had a class from 3:00 to 4:30, giving me a total of 4 units today.
After I was done teaching, we took a drive around the small loop (highways 90 to 40 to 12, and back to Eilat that way). It's always a beautiful drive.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
4 September 2012
I slept well and woke up fairly early this morning, but I just couldn't quite get myself up until later, so I didn't get any walk in at all. David slept a little better than before, so it looks like his sleeping pattern may be normalizing a bit. We'll see what happens tonight.
I taught 2 classes (4 units) back to back this morning, from 9:00 to 12:00, and that was it for the day.
We ate again at Greg's. David had tortellini (again) and I had their breakfast (again). They're food is good, so we're not bored with it yet. After eating, we went over to the Yellow gas station next to the airport terminal and filled the car with gas. Then we used the receipt from that to get a discount on getting our car washed there, as well, which it REALLY needed! A red car always looks especially nice after a good bath (this is the 4th red car I've owned in my life)!
I did the weekly shopping at the market today since I had been too busy on Sunday and Monday to do it. I also ran the dishwasher and cleaned the bathroom floor, so I wasn't quite as lazy as usual.
This evening, David and I went for an abbreviated walk because his back was beginning to give him pain. We had forgotten to take pain medicine before heading out. He practiced using his new cane (for blind people), and he was pretty good at it. I don't think he should be out by himself with it, but it can definitely help him avoid many kinds of obstacles if he is alone..
I taught 2 classes (4 units) back to back this morning, from 9:00 to 12:00, and that was it for the day.
We ate again at Greg's. David had tortellini (again) and I had their breakfast (again). They're food is good, so we're not bored with it yet. After eating, we went over to the Yellow gas station next to the airport terminal and filled the car with gas. Then we used the receipt from that to get a discount on getting our car washed there, as well, which it REALLY needed! A red car always looks especially nice after a good bath (this is the 4th red car I've owned in my life)!
I did the weekly shopping at the market today since I had been too busy on Sunday and Monday to do it. I also ran the dishwasher and cleaned the bathroom floor, so I wasn't quite as lazy as usual.
This evening, David and I went for an abbreviated walk because his back was beginning to give him pain. We had forgotten to take pain medicine before heading out. He practiced using his new cane (for blind people), and he was pretty good at it. I don't think he should be out by himself with it, but it can definitely help him avoid many kinds of obstacles if he is alone..
Monday, September 3, 2012
3 September 2012
I again slept well last night, but David didn't.
I got up a little late but still had time for a quick walk to the gym, a little work-out, and stretches on the walk back.
I taught 4 classes today for a total of 8 units. It's a sign that things are beginning to pick up after the August lull. One of my regular students was off for the entire month of August, and here lesson today was the first after coming back from vacation (she's French, and the French LOVE to take the WHOLE month of August off!).
We ate lunch at home today. I heated breaded shnitzels in the toaster oven, and cooked corn on the cob in the microwave.
I got up a little late but still had time for a quick walk to the gym, a little work-out, and stretches on the walk back.
I taught 4 classes today for a total of 8 units. It's a sign that things are beginning to pick up after the August lull. One of my regular students was off for the entire month of August, and here lesson today was the first after coming back from vacation (she's French, and the French LOVE to take the WHOLE month of August off!).
We ate lunch at home today. I heated breaded shnitzels in the toaster oven, and cooked corn on the cob in the microwave.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
2 September 2012
We both slept well last night, which is a good thing, as you will see shortly.
I got up early enough to walk over to the gym, go briefly on a couple of machine, and walk back, stopping for some stretches at my usual spot.
We started out morning routine a half-hour early today so that we could be out of the house and on our way by 8:30 (we actually made it by 8:25). We had filled the car with gas and bought two small bottles of PepsiMax last night.
And where were we going, you might ask. To the Israeli Guide Dog Center, the only accredited guide dog school for the blind in the entire Middle East!
We had told them that we'd be there by 1:00, and we were actually about 20 minutes early, I think. We received a wonderful guided tour of the facility and met several people who work there. It was great to see what they do and how very professionally they do it! David is now quite confident that he wants a guide dog and that he'll be able to get one.
So, even though it was a long trip, and David is now very tired, it was a great and worthwhile day.
I got up early enough to walk over to the gym, go briefly on a couple of machine, and walk back, stopping for some stretches at my usual spot.
We started out morning routine a half-hour early today so that we could be out of the house and on our way by 8:30 (we actually made it by 8:25). We had filled the car with gas and bought two small bottles of PepsiMax last night.
And where were we going, you might ask. To the Israeli Guide Dog Center, the only accredited guide dog school for the blind in the entire Middle East!
We had told them that we'd be there by 1:00, and we were actually about 20 minutes early, I think. We received a wonderful guided tour of the facility and met several people who work there. It was great to see what they do and how very professionally they do it! David is now quite confident that he wants a guide dog and that he'll be able to get one.
So, even though it was a long trip, and David is now very tired, it was a great and worthwhile day.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
1 September 2012
We both slept fairly well last night, but David was still very tired and sleepy all day today despite a couple of short naps. I got up quite early, drove up to Nakhal Shlomo, hiked a little up the nakhal, and then turned left to follow the old road up much of the way. It was good exercise, and I enjoyed it.
We drove the big loop today (up to highway 13 and then back on highway 12) and ate late at Greg's. I had their breakfast, and David had tortellini, all delicious, of course.
I downloaded and installed the latest Mac OS ("Mountain Lion") onto my computer today. It seems to be fine except that I'll have to get a new version of Parallels, the program that allows my computer to also run Windows at the same time. I don't really use it much, but it's nice occasionally, and, of course, there's the "cool" factor! :-)
We drove the big loop today (up to highway 13 and then back on highway 12) and ate late at Greg's. I had their breakfast, and David had tortellini, all delicious, of course.
I downloaded and installed the latest Mac OS ("Mountain Lion") onto my computer today. It seems to be fine except that I'll have to get a new version of Parallels, the program that allows my computer to also run Windows at the same time. I don't really use it much, but it's nice occasionally, and, of course, there's the "cool" factor! :-)
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