Last night, shortly after midnight, I was awakened by David's insulin pump making its "siren" sound. When I checked it, the error message was "Button Error", and it was impossible to get rid of it no matter what I did. So I had to disconnect it from him and put it in the refrigerator (so that we couldn't hear it going off every few minutes). Then I had trouble getting back to sleep, of course, and so I also got up a couple of hours late.
I used to have telephone numbers for the representatives of the insulin pump company here in Israel, but I had lost them, so after breakfast we just headed over to the Maccabi (our HMO) nurses. They contacted Agentek (the company) and gave them our number. By noon, they had contacted us to let us know they were working on getting David another pump. A little later, they gave me the number of a nurse at Klalit (a different HMO from ours) here in Eilat who had an old pump. I called her and arranged to come over to get it after 4:00 p.m., which I did. She had some trouble with old batteries and some difficulty figuring out which of the 3 pumps she had would actually work. She finally gave me one, and I headed out, going to Shufersal to do the weekly grocery shopping before coming home.
When I got home, I found that the new pump was also not working, but in a different way. I finally was able to again contact the Agentek guy, who suggested that I try a fresh battery. That did the trick, so now David has a working insulin pump again.
Agentek was really going BEYOND the call of duty today because David's pump was already out of warranty. In fact, he is supposed to get another one, but the paper-work has to be submitted by the diabetes doctor, and we are still waiting for an appointment with him. I'm hoping that I can get them to have him fill it out BEFORE actually seeing us, since we HAVE seen him several times before. It shouldn't be a problem, but we'll see. In the meantime, David has a pump.
We managed to control David's blood sugar levels fairly well today, even without the pump, by giving him insulin shots. I told David he was lucky that I am the son of a nurse (my dad) and someone who wanted to be one but never quite made it (my mom).
We ate lunch at Café Greg today. David had cheese ravioli with mushroom cream sauce, and I had a sabikh sandwich.
In the evening, we went back over to Ice Park and had frozen yogurts.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Shabbat, 29 June 2013
I got up and walked to the highway 12 kikar and back, and even took time to do my stretches. My 3 usual cat companions were all there in their respective places to greet me and walk a bit with me.
We took a drive around the big loop today in the reverse direction from last week. We went up highway 12, then continued on highway 40 to highway 13, which took us over to highway 90 for the trip home down the Arava. We stopped, as we did last week, at the new rest area at Yahel and ate lunch at the Kakao café there.
Our car, a Fiat Panda, gets amazing mileage! I reset the trip computer just before we left home. We drove down to the Yellow station next to the airport first to fill up and to get PepsiMax. Then we went up highway 12. When we got up to the top of the hill, right next to Egypt, our average mileage to that point was 9.6 km/liter, which is about 22.6 mpg. This was on a HOT day going UP a STEEP, winding road, with the A/C running full blast. Through most of the rest of the trip, I drove about 90 km/hr (about 55 mph). Our mileage for the entire trip was 18.9 km/l, which is more than 44.5 mpg. This, remember, was on a day with temperatures OVER 100˚F and with the A/C running the entire time!
This afternoon, we had another nice long conversation with David's sister and her husband in Ohio.
In the evening, we went over to Ice Park for frozen yogurt and then took a drive up highway 12 to just before the checkpoint (where you can see Egypt ahead and the mountains of Jordan behind) and then back down again. All of that brought our mileage for the day down a bit, to 18.3 km/l (43.0 mpg).
We took a drive around the big loop today in the reverse direction from last week. We went up highway 12, then continued on highway 40 to highway 13, which took us over to highway 90 for the trip home down the Arava. We stopped, as we did last week, at the new rest area at Yahel and ate lunch at the Kakao café there.
Our car, a Fiat Panda, gets amazing mileage! I reset the trip computer just before we left home. We drove down to the Yellow station next to the airport first to fill up and to get PepsiMax. Then we went up highway 12. When we got up to the top of the hill, right next to Egypt, our average mileage to that point was 9.6 km/liter, which is about 22.6 mpg. This was on a HOT day going UP a STEEP, winding road, with the A/C running full blast. Through most of the rest of the trip, I drove about 90 km/hr (about 55 mph). Our mileage for the entire trip was 18.9 km/l, which is more than 44.5 mpg. This, remember, was on a day with temperatures OVER 100˚F and with the A/C running the entire time!
This afternoon, we had another nice long conversation with David's sister and her husband in Ohio.
In the evening, we went over to Ice Park for frozen yogurt and then took a drive up highway 12 to just before the checkpoint (where you can see Egypt ahead and the mountains of Jordan behind) and then back down again. All of that brought our mileage for the day down a bit, to 18.3 km/l (43.0 mpg).
Friday, June 28, 2013
Friday, 28 June 2013
I got up quite early this morning but still only walked to the highway 12 kikar and back (petting the usual 3 cats!). This left me time before breakfast, though, to go down to the local bakery (which opens at 7:00 a.m., at least on Friday) and get challah. I also got some pastries for us and stopped by the candy store for my usual resupply there.
I taught 3 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30 and 11:00-11:45.
We ate our now-traditional Friday lunch at Il Pentolino.
In the evening, we made Shabbat and ate the special pastries I had bought.
I watched several more of the lectures for the Discrete Optimization class today. It is now completely clear that I will merely be auditing this class, NOT doing the exercises. Although I can follow reasonably well what the professor is saying, I am SURE that I would not be able to actually implement the complex algorithms he is describing. I plan to continue to watch the lectures, or at least as many of them as I can, because they are quite interesting, and I still gain a lot of general knowledge about the area.
I taught 3 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30 and 11:00-11:45.
We ate our now-traditional Friday lunch at Il Pentolino.
In the evening, we made Shabbat and ate the special pastries I had bought.
I watched several more of the lectures for the Discrete Optimization class today. It is now completely clear that I will merely be auditing this class, NOT doing the exercises. Although I can follow reasonably well what the professor is saying, I am SURE that I would not be able to actually implement the complex algorithms he is describing. I plan to continue to watch the lectures, or at least as many of them as I can, because they are quite interesting, and I still gain a lot of general knowledge about the area.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Thursday, 27 June 2013
I got up a little late this morning and didn't feel very energetic, but I still managed to walk to the highway 12 kikar and back. I also petted Fluffy, Mielo, and Torty along the way.
I taught 7 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30, 11:00-11:45, 3:00-4:30, and 7:00-8:30.
We ate lunch at Kakao at the Ice Park. Afterwards, we walked over and had frozen yogurt for dessert.
Between 4:30 and 7:00, we took a nice drive around the short loop (up highway 90, over on highway 40, and back home on highway 12).
I taught 7 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30, 11:00-11:45, 3:00-4:30, and 7:00-8:30.
We ate lunch at Kakao at the Ice Park. Afterwards, we walked over and had frozen yogurt for dessert.
Between 4:30 and 7:00, we took a nice drive around the short loop (up highway 90, over on highway 40, and back home on highway 12).
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
I got up a little late this morning but still managed to get in a walk to the highway 12 kikar and back. This morning, I petted all FOUR of my outdoor cats: Tehila, Fluffy, Mielo, and Torty.
We finally had the long-awaited appointment with the neurologist today. I don't think we learned much, though. He suggested that we get the test done that were recommended more than 3 years ago when we had an evaluation of David's cognitive problem done (at our own expense because it wasn't covered). I'm not sure exactly what all the tests are, so it may be that some, or even ALL, of them have, in fact, been done. At the very least, I must check into this. For some of them, David would have to be hospitalized, so it's not simple.
I was glad that I was able to communicate with the neurologist in Hebrew. I think I missed some of what he said, but I was able to say what I needed to say, and I did understand most of what he said, as well.
After the visit with the neurologist, we went to eat lunch at Café Greg at Ice Park. As we were walking there from the parking structure, David felt exceptionally tired and sat down at one of the McDonald's tables that is on the way. We tested his blood sugar, and it was 58. Normal is 100, and anything below 70 is considered an insulin reaction. So I left him sitting there and quickly went and bought him a Snickers bar at a nearby kiosk. After that, he was okay, of course.
I taught only one lesson today, but it was for 3 units: 4:15-6:30.
After my lesson, we went back to Ice Park for our traditional frozen yogurt.
We finally had the long-awaited appointment with the neurologist today. I don't think we learned much, though. He suggested that we get the test done that were recommended more than 3 years ago when we had an evaluation of David's cognitive problem done (at our own expense because it wasn't covered). I'm not sure exactly what all the tests are, so it may be that some, or even ALL, of them have, in fact, been done. At the very least, I must check into this. For some of them, David would have to be hospitalized, so it's not simple.
I was glad that I was able to communicate with the neurologist in Hebrew. I think I missed some of what he said, but I was able to say what I needed to say, and I did understand most of what he said, as well.
After the visit with the neurologist, we went to eat lunch at Café Greg at Ice Park. As we were walking there from the parking structure, David felt exceptionally tired and sat down at one of the McDonald's tables that is on the way. We tested his blood sugar, and it was 58. Normal is 100, and anything below 70 is considered an insulin reaction. So I left him sitting there and quickly went and bought him a Snickers bar at a nearby kiosk. After that, he was okay, of course.
I taught only one lesson today, but it was for 3 units: 4:15-6:30.
After my lesson, we went back to Ice Park for our traditional frozen yogurt.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Tuesday, 25 June 2013
I got up quite late this morning, but I still walked over to the highway 12 kikar and back. Along the way, I petted all three of my favorite outdoor cats: Fluffy, Mielo, and Torty. In fact, Torty was stalking birds on the kikar at the upper end of our street when I came along, but when she saw me, she immediately came running over as fast as she could to see me. She walked with me all the way down to the upper end of our building.
I watched another lecture for my Discrete Optimization class this morning. It's really quite interesting.
I taught 8 units of Berlitz lessons today: 11:00-12:30, 3:00-4:30, 4:30-6:00, and 7:00-8:30.
We ate lunch at Café Landwer today at Ice Park. Previously, they were only accessible by climbing a flight of stairs, but now they have opened another area right down by the ice rink. We can get there without going up or down any steps, which is perfect for David. He had shakshuka (although I finished it), and I had an avocado sandwich. Both were quite good.
We talked with David's sister again today, and he continued talking after I had to leave for my last class.
I watched another lecture for my Discrete Optimization class this morning. It's really quite interesting.
I taught 8 units of Berlitz lessons today: 11:00-12:30, 3:00-4:30, 4:30-6:00, and 7:00-8:30.
We ate lunch at Café Landwer today at Ice Park. Previously, they were only accessible by climbing a flight of stairs, but now they have opened another area right down by the ice rink. We can get there without going up or down any steps, which is perfect for David. He had shakshuka (although I finished it), and I had an avocado sandwich. Both were quite good.
We talked with David's sister again today, and he continued talking after I had to leave for my last class.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Monday, 24 June 2013
I got up early this morning, saw the big full moon before it set, walked to the gym, worked out, and walked back home, stopping to stretch on the way.
During the night last night, I tried again to run the 6th case of the knapsack packing problem for my Discrete Optimization class, but it again used up all the memory in my computer and even apparently had trouble with swapping out to the disk. In any case, unless I can figure out a way to make my algorithm take less memory, I will not be able to run this case, at least not on this computer.
I watched a couple more lectures for the class this morning. Although I can follow generally what the professor is talking about, I don't think I'm going to be able to implement the models he's describing. My proficiency at working with complex data structures is just not that good, I fear. I'm not giving up yet, but I may end up mostly just watching the lectures but not doing most of the problems. We'll see.
We ate lunch at Greg café today. David had mini-brownies, and I have edamame and a small chopped salad.
I taught 7 units units of Berlitz lessons today: 2:45-5:00, 5:00-6:30, and 7:00-8:30. All were individual students, the first an Austrian working in Malaysia, the second in Germany, and the third in France.
During the night last night, I tried again to run the 6th case of the knapsack packing problem for my Discrete Optimization class, but it again used up all the memory in my computer and even apparently had trouble with swapping out to the disk. In any case, unless I can figure out a way to make my algorithm take less memory, I will not be able to run this case, at least not on this computer.
I watched a couple more lectures for the class this morning. Although I can follow generally what the professor is talking about, I don't think I'm going to be able to implement the models he's describing. My proficiency at working with complex data structures is just not that good, I fear. I'm not giving up yet, but I may end up mostly just watching the lectures but not doing most of the problems. We'll see.
We ate lunch at Greg café today. David had mini-brownies, and I have edamame and a small chopped salad.
I taught 7 units units of Berlitz lessons today: 2:45-5:00, 5:00-6:30, and 7:00-8:30. All were individual students, the first an Austrian working in Malaysia, the second in Germany, and the third in France.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Sunday, 23 June 2013
I got up good and early this morning and felt more energetic. I walked to the gym, worked out a bit, and walked back, stopping to do stretches on the way. There was a slight breeze, which made a world of difference since the weather is still quite hot.
This morning, I found that my submission program for my class had successfully run over night! This morning, I submitted assignment 5, and it ran quickly. However, when I later tried to submit assignment 6, it caused my computer to run out of disk space (for virtual memory swapping, I think). So, I've cleared out some additional space on my desk, and I'll try it again tonight. Cross your fingers!
The first order of business for the day was a trip to the bank. Too much of my money was in a "closed" account, and I needed to order it transferred into my regular account, which had run out of money. I had to wait quite a while for my turn, but the banker was very helpful. Not only did she arrange for the transfer, she also helped me so that I'll be able to do it by phone in the future.
While I was waiting at the bank, there was a young woman, probably around 30, sitting near me. She received a call on her phone, and I heard that she was quite fluent in Hebrew. I did, however, detect a Russian accent (which is very nice in Hebrew, BTW), so I wasn't too surprised when, in her next call, she spoke rapid-fire Russian. What amazed me, though, was when she had another call a few minutes later and was speaking good French! Only in Israel!
After the bank, I headed over to Shufersal for the weekly grocery shopping and then headed home, of course, to put things into the refrigerator. In this hot weather, one does NOT want the milk to be out of refrigeration very long!
We ate lunch at Chooka, at Ice Park. David had Asian noodles with vegetables, and I had vegetarian sushi, both very yummy!
After we returned home, I gathered together our prescriptions and headed to the pharmacy for our monthly resupply. Early afternoon is by far the best time to go there, since hardly anyone else does, for some reason. Sure enough, I got through very quickly. After that, I made a fairly quick stop at the small discount store, where I got a couple a glass mugs and a couple of new belts for me, all at good prices.
In the late afternoon, we headed over to Ice Park again, this time for frozen yogurt. After that, we drove up the Arava to Samar and back. Before we came back into the house, we sat on the bench just outside our building, enjoying the warm evening (just after the sun had gotten behind the mountains) and petting Tehila, the outdoor cat who belongs to the little boy who lives in the other part of our building. She was absolutely soaking up the love!
This morning, I found that my submission program for my class had successfully run over night! This morning, I submitted assignment 5, and it ran quickly. However, when I later tried to submit assignment 6, it caused my computer to run out of disk space (for virtual memory swapping, I think). So, I've cleared out some additional space on my desk, and I'll try it again tonight. Cross your fingers!
The first order of business for the day was a trip to the bank. Too much of my money was in a "closed" account, and I needed to order it transferred into my regular account, which had run out of money. I had to wait quite a while for my turn, but the banker was very helpful. Not only did she arrange for the transfer, she also helped me so that I'll be able to do it by phone in the future.
While I was waiting at the bank, there was a young woman, probably around 30, sitting near me. She received a call on her phone, and I heard that she was quite fluent in Hebrew. I did, however, detect a Russian accent (which is very nice in Hebrew, BTW), so I wasn't too surprised when, in her next call, she spoke rapid-fire Russian. What amazed me, though, was when she had another call a few minutes later and was speaking good French! Only in Israel!
After the bank, I headed over to Shufersal for the weekly grocery shopping and then headed home, of course, to put things into the refrigerator. In this hot weather, one does NOT want the milk to be out of refrigeration very long!
We ate lunch at Chooka, at Ice Park. David had Asian noodles with vegetables, and I had vegetarian sushi, both very yummy!
After we returned home, I gathered together our prescriptions and headed to the pharmacy for our monthly resupply. Early afternoon is by far the best time to go there, since hardly anyone else does, for some reason. Sure enough, I got through very quickly. After that, I made a fairly quick stop at the small discount store, where I got a couple a glass mugs and a couple of new belts for me, all at good prices.
In the late afternoon, we headed over to Ice Park again, this time for frozen yogurt. After that, we drove up the Arava to Samar and back. Before we came back into the house, we sat on the bench just outside our building, enjoying the warm evening (just after the sun had gotten behind the mountains) and petting Tehila, the outdoor cat who belongs to the little boy who lives in the other part of our building. She was absolutely soaking up the love!
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Shabbat, 22 June 2013
I got up and walked to the highway 12 kikar and back this morning. It felt a bit hot, though, because there was absolutely NO breeze.
I spent quite a bit of time today working on my program for the first week of my Discrete Optimization class. The assignment is to write a program to solve the knapsack packing problem. After quite a bit of stumbling around with the correct use of the Python programming language, I finally got a program that works, using the dynamic programming algorithm that the professor describes in the video. I was able to successfully submit the first 3 (out of 6) runs (which use test data). However, on number 4, my system works for HOURS but never seems to finish. Furthermore, it hogs my entire computer so that I can't do anything else (on this computer, at least). I suspect that I'm going to have to implement a different algorithm for the remaining cases, one that uses less memory, probably, and perhaps will run faster, as well, at least for those cases. I simply may not have enough time to do that. I'll make one more try tonight with the current algorithm. I'll quit ALL the other programs to give it as many resources as possible. If it still hasn't finished by morning, I'll have to give up on this method.
We drove up the Arava to Yahel and ate lunch at the new Kakao restaurant there. It was nice. Then we continued up to highway 13, across to highway 40, and back home on highway 12, thereby completing what I call the big loop.
After we returned home, we had a nice long conversation with David's sister in Ohio.
In the evening, we went over to Ice Park and had frozen yogurt.
I spent quite a bit of time today working on my program for the first week of my Discrete Optimization class. The assignment is to write a program to solve the knapsack packing problem. After quite a bit of stumbling around with the correct use of the Python programming language, I finally got a program that works, using the dynamic programming algorithm that the professor describes in the video. I was able to successfully submit the first 3 (out of 6) runs (which use test data). However, on number 4, my system works for HOURS but never seems to finish. Furthermore, it hogs my entire computer so that I can't do anything else (on this computer, at least). I suspect that I'm going to have to implement a different algorithm for the remaining cases, one that uses less memory, probably, and perhaps will run faster, as well, at least for those cases. I simply may not have enough time to do that. I'll make one more try tonight with the current algorithm. I'll quit ALL the other programs to give it as many resources as possible. If it still hasn't finished by morning, I'll have to give up on this method.
We drove up the Arava to Yahel and ate lunch at the new Kakao restaurant there. It was nice. Then we continued up to highway 13, across to highway 40, and back home on highway 12, thereby completing what I call the big loop.
After we returned home, we had a nice long conversation with David's sister in Ohio.
In the evening, we went over to Ice Park and had frozen yogurt.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Friday, 21 June 2013 (Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere)
Happy Solstice, everyone!
I got up early enough this morning to get in a walk to the highway 12 kikar and some stretches. There was only a slight breeze out, but it was enough to make it quite pleasant.
I walked down to the bakery and bought challah for Shabbat, then stopped by the candy store to replenish our supplies in that department.
I taught 4 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:30-11:00 and 12:00-1:30.
After the last class, we ate lunch at Il Pentolino. We each had our usual favorites sauces, but with different pastas. David had fettuccine and I yam ravioli.
This afternoon, I started working on the assignments for my new class, Discrete Optimization. It's a little difficult because I'm not really up to speed with programming, especially in modern languages like Python (the one they're generally using for this class), but it's going to be interesting, and I think I'll be able to do reasonably well. I've got to really get working on it tomorrow, though, so that I don't fall behind.
In the evening, we made Shabbat as usual.
I got up early enough this morning to get in a walk to the highway 12 kikar and some stretches. There was only a slight breeze out, but it was enough to make it quite pleasant.
I walked down to the bakery and bought challah for Shabbat, then stopped by the candy store to replenish our supplies in that department.
I taught 4 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:30-11:00 and 12:00-1:30.
After the last class, we ate lunch at Il Pentolino. We each had our usual favorites sauces, but with different pastas. David had fettuccine and I yam ravioli.
This afternoon, I started working on the assignments for my new class, Discrete Optimization. It's a little difficult because I'm not really up to speed with programming, especially in modern languages like Python (the one they're generally using for this class), but it's going to be interesting, and I think I'll be able to do reasonably well. I've got to really get working on it tomorrow, though, so that I don't fall behind.
In the evening, we made Shabbat as usual.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Thursday, 20 June 2013
I got up early enough this morning for a walk. I didn't have a lot of time or energy, though, so I only went as far as the highway 12 kikar. It was still good exercise.
I taught 9 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30, 10:30-12:00, 3:00-4:30, and 6:00-8:15.
We went to Greg café for lunch today, and I had a sabikh salad.
We had a nice conversation late this afternoon with David's sister in Ohio.
I taught 9 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30, 10:30-12:00, 3:00-4:30, and 6:00-8:15.
We went to Greg café for lunch today, and I had a sabikh salad.
We had a nice conversation late this afternoon with David's sister in Ohio.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Wednesday, 19 June 2013
I slept well last night, but, since we had gotten to bed a bit late after our trip, I didn't get up early enough to go out for a walk.
I taught 8 units today: 9:00-10:30 (both students in Norway, but one originally from Morocco), 11:00-12:30 (student in Sweden but originally from Italy), 5:00-6:30 (student in Finland), and 6:30-8:00 (student in the Czech Republic).
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino today and each had our favorite pasta dishes there.
After lunch I stopped at the pet store and the market to pick up a few things.
I started watching video lectures for the Discrete Optimization class that I'm taking. It actually opened yesterday. This class is expected to take about 10-15 hours pers week of my time, but it looks like it will be interesting.
I taught 8 units today: 9:00-10:30 (both students in Norway, but one originally from Morocco), 11:00-12:30 (student in Sweden but originally from Italy), 5:00-6:30 (student in Finland), and 6:30-8:00 (student in the Czech Republic).
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino today and each had our favorite pasta dishes there.
After lunch I stopped at the pet store and the market to pick up a few things.
I started watching video lectures for the Discrete Optimization class that I'm taking. It actually opened yesterday. This class is expected to take about 10-15 hours pers week of my time, but it looks like it will be interesting.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Tuesday, 18 June 2013
I slept well last night, got up early this morning, and had a nice walk and short work-out.
Today we had to go to Tel Aviv to try to find out what they will do about the problems with David's dental work (which is only 2 years old). They checked carefully to see what is wrong, and then they told us to wait while they contacted someone in Maccabi (our HMO). Apparently they weren't able to get through to the right person, so they finally told us that we could go and they would let us know within about 2 weeks what the decision is. I'm optimistic, but not overly. Perhaps they were just getting rid of us so that they could give us the bad news over the phone. Let's hope NOT!
Anyway, I had had to cancel ALL of my classes for today in order to make the trip (well, really Berlitz probably gave most or all of them to someone else). We left before 10:00 a.m. and didn't get back until after 10:00 p.m. We ate some snacks along the way and had a late lunch at the Asuta Hospital cafeteria. It was a pleasant trip, though, and we listened to a variety of music most of the way up and back.
Today we had to go to Tel Aviv to try to find out what they will do about the problems with David's dental work (which is only 2 years old). They checked carefully to see what is wrong, and then they told us to wait while they contacted someone in Maccabi (our HMO). Apparently they weren't able to get through to the right person, so they finally told us that we could go and they would let us know within about 2 weeks what the decision is. I'm optimistic, but not overly. Perhaps they were just getting rid of us so that they could give us the bad news over the phone. Let's hope NOT!
Anyway, I had had to cancel ALL of my classes for today in order to make the trip (well, really Berlitz probably gave most or all of them to someone else). We left before 10:00 a.m. and didn't get back until after 10:00 p.m. We ate some snacks along the way and had a late lunch at the Asuta Hospital cafeteria. It was a pleasant trip, though, and we listened to a variety of music most of the way up and back.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Monday, 17 June 2013
I got up a little late this morning, but I still walked over to the gym and back and thereby got some good exercise.
I taught only 6 units of Berlitz lessons today: 10:00-11:30, 5:00-6:30, and 7:00-8:30.
We ate lunch in the old mall (Mul HaYam) today. We had planned to eat at the falafel place there, but it was closed. The place next to it also had falafel, so we had that. They didn't put it in the pita for us, though. They just served it on a plate with a LOT of French fries. Of course, we also had a selection of סלטים salatim ("salads" literally, but not the lettuce-base things usually known by that name in the U.S.). It was okay, but it was a bit too much, and the falafel was really nothing special. At least it was something different from what we've generally been eating lately.
We got some new clothes today. David got 4 pairs of short pants (that can also be used as swimsuits) and 2 tank tops. I got just 2 new tank tops.
After lunch, we took a drive up the Arava as far as Yahel. There's a new facility there for tourists. It includes 2 restaurants (one not yet open), an Israeli fast food place, a convenience store, an ice cream shop (which also serves frozen yogurt), and a nice pond with several pretty bridges and a fountain. We had frozen yogurt, which was delicious.
Today, we had two birthdays in my family. My sister-in-law (my half-brother's widow) turned 83, and my only nephew turned 17.
I taught only 6 units of Berlitz lessons today: 10:00-11:30, 5:00-6:30, and 7:00-8:30.
We ate lunch in the old mall (Mul HaYam) today. We had planned to eat at the falafel place there, but it was closed. The place next to it also had falafel, so we had that. They didn't put it in the pita for us, though. They just served it on a plate with a LOT of French fries. Of course, we also had a selection of סלטים salatim ("salads" literally, but not the lettuce-base things usually known by that name in the U.S.). It was okay, but it was a bit too much, and the falafel was really nothing special. At least it was something different from what we've generally been eating lately.
We got some new clothes today. David got 4 pairs of short pants (that can also be used as swimsuits) and 2 tank tops. I got just 2 new tank tops.
After lunch, we took a drive up the Arava as far as Yahel. There's a new facility there for tourists. It includes 2 restaurants (one not yet open), an Israeli fast food place, a convenience store, an ice cream shop (which also serves frozen yogurt), and a nice pond with several pretty bridges and a fountain. We had frozen yogurt, which was delicious.
Today, we had two birthdays in my family. My sister-in-law (my half-brother's widow) turned 83, and my only nephew turned 17.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Sunday, 16 June 2013
I slept really soundly last night. When I woke up, I felt like I had been somewhere completely different, maybe some alternate universe. It was almost weird, but it felt good. I got up and had a nice walk and work-out. I even got to pet all 3 of my regular outdoor felines: Fluffy, Mielo, and Torty.
Right after breakfast, we went to David's appointment to get his hearing checked. The results showed that he has, indeed, lost a LOT of hearing. When we took them back to the doctor later in the day, he said the only thing that could be done for David would be hearing aids, and he gave us the number of the woman who does that. I checked with Maccabi (our HMO), and they said that we would only have to pay 17% of the cost, so it should be manageable. I haven't called the woman to set up an appointment yet, but I'll do that tomorrow morning.
After the appointment, we went to Shufersal where I did the weekly grocery shopping while David sat in the car. With the windows open and him in the shade, it was quite pleasant for him.
We ate lunch at the Café Café at Ice Park. We shared a shakshuka (like huevos rancheros, but with Mediterranean spices instead of Mexican) between us. I ate most of it, but David also had a piece of chocolate fudge cake.
This evening, I talked with my daughter over Skype, the first time that we've done that. We both really enjoyed it, so I think we'll do it again sometime. Today was special for me because it's Father's Day, and it was special for her because she is graduating from Cal State with her B.S. in biology. I'm really proud of her!
Right after breakfast, we went to David's appointment to get his hearing checked. The results showed that he has, indeed, lost a LOT of hearing. When we took them back to the doctor later in the day, he said the only thing that could be done for David would be hearing aids, and he gave us the number of the woman who does that. I checked with Maccabi (our HMO), and they said that we would only have to pay 17% of the cost, so it should be manageable. I haven't called the woman to set up an appointment yet, but I'll do that tomorrow morning.
After the appointment, we went to Shufersal where I did the weekly grocery shopping while David sat in the car. With the windows open and him in the shade, it was quite pleasant for him.
We ate lunch at the Café Café at Ice Park. We shared a shakshuka (like huevos rancheros, but with Mediterranean spices instead of Mexican) between us. I ate most of it, but David also had a piece of chocolate fudge cake.
This evening, I talked with my daughter over Skype, the first time that we've done that. We both really enjoyed it, so I think we'll do it again sometime. Today was special for me because it's Father's Day, and it was special for her because she is graduating from Cal State with her B.S. in biology. I'm really proud of her!
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Shabbat, 15 June 2013
I got up a little late this morning, but I still walked over to the gym and back. It was a lovely morning.
We ate lunch at Kakao today (downstairs from Greg café at Ice Park) because David wanted apple pie and Greg café didn't have any. I decided to try a Sabikh Wrap. It's kind of like a burrito, but the tortilla is harder, and it's stuffed with egg plant, a hard-boiled egg, potatoes, and hummus. Talk about fusion cuisine! It was good, too.
While we were sitting there at the restaurant, we suddenly realized that David had left his bag in the bathroom. I quickly went back to check for it, but it was already gone. Not to worry, though: before we even finished eating, a security guy found us, verified that David had indeed left his bag in the restroom, and then brought it to us. How's that for service!
After lunch, we got sodas and drove up highway 12 to a dirt/gravel road that goes of to the right towards הר ברך Har Berekh ("Knee Mountain"). It's a wide, nicely graded road, and we had been out it a little ways once before. But, on the online maps, I could see that it went much further. I wanted to go to the end, because I figured there would be a nice view of the Arava from there. However, after driving quite some distance, we came to a spot where it crossed a small, dry stream. It was rough enough at that spot that I feared something might scrape the bottom of the car, so we turned around and headed back. David was a bit upset because he had misunderstood me and thought that the road somehow went through to somewhere so that we would NOT have to return on it. Although it's nicely graded, it's still quite bumpy due to the washboard effect. In any case, it's really beautiful and desolate out there in the middle of the desert.
This evening we went over to Ice Park again to get frozen yogurt. We were also there at the right time to see a nice ice dance show that we had not seen before. It was in 2 parts, the first featuring a guy skating alone, and the second featuring the same English girl I mentioned previously doing more of her amazing acrobatics on the ring that they raise slowly up to high above the ice.
We ate lunch at Kakao today (downstairs from Greg café at Ice Park) because David wanted apple pie and Greg café didn't have any. I decided to try a Sabikh Wrap. It's kind of like a burrito, but the tortilla is harder, and it's stuffed with egg plant, a hard-boiled egg, potatoes, and hummus. Talk about fusion cuisine! It was good, too.
While we were sitting there at the restaurant, we suddenly realized that David had left his bag in the bathroom. I quickly went back to check for it, but it was already gone. Not to worry, though: before we even finished eating, a security guy found us, verified that David had indeed left his bag in the restroom, and then brought it to us. How's that for service!
After lunch, we got sodas and drove up highway 12 to a dirt/gravel road that goes of to the right towards הר ברך Har Berekh ("Knee Mountain"). It's a wide, nicely graded road, and we had been out it a little ways once before. But, on the online maps, I could see that it went much further. I wanted to go to the end, because I figured there would be a nice view of the Arava from there. However, after driving quite some distance, we came to a spot where it crossed a small, dry stream. It was rough enough at that spot that I feared something might scrape the bottom of the car, so we turned around and headed back. David was a bit upset because he had misunderstood me and thought that the road somehow went through to somewhere so that we would NOT have to return on it. Although it's nicely graded, it's still quite bumpy due to the washboard effect. In any case, it's really beautiful and desolate out there in the middle of the desert.
This evening we went over to Ice Park again to get frozen yogurt. We were also there at the right time to see a nice ice dance show that we had not seen before. It was in 2 parts, the first featuring a guy skating alone, and the second featuring the same English girl I mentioned previously doing more of her amazing acrobatics on the ring that they raise slowly up to high above the ice.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Friday, 14 June 2013
I didn't get up very early this morning, but I still went over to the gym and got some good exercise.
Before my first class, I walked down to the bakery to get us challah for Shabbat. I also stopped at the candy store to replenish our supply of Snickers bars.
I taught 4 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:30-11:00 and 12:00-1:30.
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino today, each having our favorite pasta dishes there.
Late this afternoon, we took a short walk over to the green strip and sat there for a while, enjoying the lovely breezes. After we returned home, we made Shabbat and relaxed the rest of the evening.
Before my first class, I walked down to the bakery to get us challah for Shabbat. I also stopped at the candy store to replenish our supply of Snickers bars.
I taught 4 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:30-11:00 and 12:00-1:30.
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino today, each having our favorite pasta dishes there.
Late this afternoon, we took a short walk over to the green strip and sat there for a while, enjoying the lovely breezes. After we returned home, we made Shabbat and relaxed the rest of the evening.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Thursday, 13 June 2013
I had some trouble going to sleep last night and so got up rather late this morning. I didn't go out for a walk at all.
I was scheduled to teach three 2-unit lessons today, for a total of 6 units, but the second was a no-show, and the third was a last-minute late cancellation: 10:30-12:00, 3:00-4:30, and 6:30-8:00.
We ate lunch today at Chooka, an Asian place in the Ice Park Mall. David had noodles and I had their vegetarian sushi combo. Both were delicious. I also signed up for their club so that I'll always get a discount there. Of course, I'll also get advertising SMS messages on my phone, and maybe even a little junk mail and e-mail, but it's worth it. Since they asked for my birthday and anniversary on the form, we may even get some specials for those occasions.
On the way over to lunch, we got our car washed at the Paz gas station right by the airport. Like all red cars (this is the 4th one I've owned in my life), Rosa looks SO much better when she's had a bath!
Since I was able to leave my 2nd class a half-hour early due to the no-show, we were able to take a nice drive around the short loop. It was especially clear today, so that made it even more beautiful.
This evening I did a bit of sorting through my clothes. I got rid of a very few that were truly worn out, and I separated out the short pants that I can wear comfortably from the ones that are slightly too tight. In the process, I also improved the organization in the closet just a bit.
I was scheduled to teach three 2-unit lessons today, for a total of 6 units, but the second was a no-show, and the third was a last-minute late cancellation: 10:30-12:00, 3:00-4:30, and 6:30-8:00.
We ate lunch today at Chooka, an Asian place in the Ice Park Mall. David had noodles and I had their vegetarian sushi combo. Both were delicious. I also signed up for their club so that I'll always get a discount there. Of course, I'll also get advertising SMS messages on my phone, and maybe even a little junk mail and e-mail, but it's worth it. Since they asked for my birthday and anniversary on the form, we may even get some specials for those occasions.
On the way over to lunch, we got our car washed at the Paz gas station right by the airport. Like all red cars (this is the 4th one I've owned in my life), Rosa looks SO much better when she's had a bath!
Since I was able to leave my 2nd class a half-hour early due to the no-show, we were able to take a nice drive around the short loop. It was especially clear today, so that made it even more beautiful.
This evening I did a bit of sorting through my clothes. I got rid of a very few that were truly worn out, and I separated out the short pants that I can wear comfortably from the ones that are slightly too tight. In the process, I also improved the organization in the closet just a bit.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Wednesday, 12 June 2013
I tried an experiment last night. Instead of running the A/C in the bedroom, I left the windows open in the whole house. Unfortunately, it was a bit too hot out, so I didn't sleep very well. Finally, at around 3 a.m., I closed the bedroom window and turned on the A/C. After that, I slept much better, but I woke up too late to go out for a morning walk.
I taught 8 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30 (Norway), 2:30-4:00 (Slovakia), 4:15-5:45 (Germany, but student will be going to China to work in a couple of weeks), and 6:00-7:30 (Czech Republic, but student is actually Slovak).
We ate lunch at Greg café today.
I taught 8 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30 (Norway), 2:30-4:00 (Slovakia), 4:15-5:45 (Germany, but student will be going to China to work in a couple of weeks), and 6:00-7:30 (Czech Republic, but student is actually Slovak).
We ate lunch at Greg café today.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
I slept very well last night but got up a little late this morning. Nevertheless, I walked to the highway 12 kikar and back for my exercise.
I did the weekly grocery shopping this morning before my first class. I usually do it on Sundays, but, of course, this week we didn't get back from out of town until shortly before bedtime on Sunday.
I taught 6 units of Berlitz lessons today, although the last student (2 units) was a late cancellation: 10:30-12:00, 3:00-4:30, and 7:00-8:30.
We ate lunch at Greg café today. Then, this evening, we went back over to Ice Park and had frozen yogurt.
We talked to David's sister in Ohio this afternoon and had a nice chat.
I did the weekly grocery shopping this morning before my first class. I usually do it on Sundays, but, of course, this week we didn't get back from out of town until shortly before bedtime on Sunday.
I taught 6 units of Berlitz lessons today, although the last student (2 units) was a late cancellation: 10:30-12:00, 3:00-4:30, and 7:00-8:30.
We ate lunch at Greg café today. Then, this evening, we went back over to Ice Park and had frozen yogurt.
We talked to David's sister in Ohio this afternoon and had a nice chat.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Monday, 10 June 2013
We went to the North for the weekend, and that's why I haven't posted here in several days. On Friday we drove up there, and we stayed with friends in Nahariya on Friday and Saturday nights.
On Friday night, I helped lead the Kabbalat Shabbat prayers at Emet V'Shalom, our old synagogue in Nahariya.
On Shabbat morning, we drove to the Birya Forest, just north of Tsfat, to enjoy the beauty there. We met some friends for lunch in Nahariya, and then we again took a drive, this time up the small road on the east side of the Hula Valley. We returned to Nahariya via Khurfeish and Maalot.
On Sunday, we got up and left early to beat the traffic into Haifa, where David had an appointment at the Rambam Medical Center. The bypass around the krayot is now finished, making it MUCH easier to get into Haifa from the north.
In the afternoon, David had an appointment at MaccabiDent in the Asuta Hospital in Tel Aviv. A very few years ago, he had some very expensive dental work done there, and now there are some problems. We believe that they should fix the problems for free or at least for a very small charge. However, no one there was even able to tell us ANYTHING about their warranty policy (which, I fear, actually doesn't exist!). Instead, we have to go back for an appointment with a particular doctor who is only available on the 18th. This will cause me to lose a WHOLE DAY of lessons, but we have to do it. If, as I suspect, there is no coverage, and they want to charge us a bundle of additional money to get the problems fixed, you will DEFINITELY be hearing about it (you, and as many other people as I can reach). I hope I'm wrong about this, but I certainly didn't get a very good feeling from our visit there Sunday.
On the drive back home, we began to encounter a lot of dust in the air around Be'er Sheva, and it got worse by Makhtesh Ramon. From there on home, it was so dusty that it was like driving in quite heavy smog. This certainly marred the beauty of the desert.
This morning I got up fairly early and got in a good walk, a good work-out, and good stretches.
I taught 8 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:30-11:00, 3:30-5:00, 5:00-6:30, and 7:00-8:30.
After my first class, I went over to the Maccabi office in town to find out what happened to David's neurology appointment last Wednesday. Apparently the doctor was not able to make it, and they claim they tried to contact me. Anyway, David now has another appointment with the neurologist on the 26th.
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino. David had apple pie, and I had a toasted bagel with egg salad and black olives.
On Friday night, I helped lead the Kabbalat Shabbat prayers at Emet V'Shalom, our old synagogue in Nahariya.
On Shabbat morning, we drove to the Birya Forest, just north of Tsfat, to enjoy the beauty there. We met some friends for lunch in Nahariya, and then we again took a drive, this time up the small road on the east side of the Hula Valley. We returned to Nahariya via Khurfeish and Maalot.
On Sunday, we got up and left early to beat the traffic into Haifa, where David had an appointment at the Rambam Medical Center. The bypass around the krayot is now finished, making it MUCH easier to get into Haifa from the north.
In the afternoon, David had an appointment at MaccabiDent in the Asuta Hospital in Tel Aviv. A very few years ago, he had some very expensive dental work done there, and now there are some problems. We believe that they should fix the problems for free or at least for a very small charge. However, no one there was even able to tell us ANYTHING about their warranty policy (which, I fear, actually doesn't exist!). Instead, we have to go back for an appointment with a particular doctor who is only available on the 18th. This will cause me to lose a WHOLE DAY of lessons, but we have to do it. If, as I suspect, there is no coverage, and they want to charge us a bundle of additional money to get the problems fixed, you will DEFINITELY be hearing about it (you, and as many other people as I can reach). I hope I'm wrong about this, but I certainly didn't get a very good feeling from our visit there Sunday.
On the drive back home, we began to encounter a lot of dust in the air around Be'er Sheva, and it got worse by Makhtesh Ramon. From there on home, it was so dusty that it was like driving in quite heavy smog. This certainly marred the beauty of the desert.
This morning I got up fairly early and got in a good walk, a good work-out, and good stretches.
I taught 8 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:30-11:00, 3:30-5:00, 5:00-6:30, and 7:00-8:30.
After my first class, I went over to the Maccabi office in town to find out what happened to David's neurology appointment last Wednesday. Apparently the doctor was not able to make it, and they claim they tried to contact me. Anyway, David now has another appointment with the neurologist on the 26th.
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino. David had apple pie, and I had a toasted bagel with egg salad and black olives.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Thursday, 6 June 2013
I got up a little late this morning, but I still walked all the way to the gym and back, although I didn't do any work-out or stretches.
At the beginning of the week, I had been scheduled to teach 13 units today, but yesterday that was down to only 6, which are what I actually taught: 9:00-10:30, 10:30-12:00, and 3:00-4:30.
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino, both trying sandwiches which we never had before. In the evening, we went over to Ice Park and had frozen yogurt. While I was getting it, I had a nice chat with the amazing performer who does the great ice dancing and acrobatics on the ring high above the ice. It turns out that she's from England and is quite a nice person, as well.
This afternoon, Moshe came over to bring us a small bag of things that we will take to his Dad in Natanya while we are up north the weekend.
At the beginning of the week, I had been scheduled to teach 13 units today, but yesterday that was down to only 6, which are what I actually taught: 9:00-10:30, 10:30-12:00, and 3:00-4:30.
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino, both trying sandwiches which we never had before. In the evening, we went over to Ice Park and had frozen yogurt. While I was getting it, I had a nice chat with the amazing performer who does the great ice dancing and acrobatics on the ring high above the ice. It turns out that she's from England and is quite a nice person, as well.
This afternoon, Moshe came over to bring us a small bag of things that we will take to his Dad in Natanya while we are up north the weekend.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Wednesday, 5 June 2013
I woke up and got up a little later this morning, but I still took time to walk to the gym and back. I did not work out any there, nor did I do any stretches on the way back. But the important thing is that I got some good exercise.
I was scheduled to teach 6 units today, but the last one once again turned out to be a late cancellation: 9:00-10:30, 5:15-4:45, and 6:00-7:30.
Months ago, I had scheduled an appointment for today with a neurologist. He (or she) was supposed to be at an agency called "Mad Negev" (meaning "Negev Measurement"), which is located down near the airport terminal. We had been there once before, when David needed some kind of electrical test on his arms, so I knew where it was. However, they are now doing some road and sidewalk work on HaTmarim Road, so we couldn't just follow the sidewalk around from the parking lot. Instead, we had to go through a couple of buildings and navigate several sets of steps. The worst were just before we got there because there were two full flights going down a full story without ANY railing! There was no working elevator in the building. David has a lot of trouble with steps these days, and because of that, he really freaks, which only makes things worse, of course.
As if all of the above weren't bad enough, we discovered when we got there that they were closed. A sign on the door (in Hebrew and Russian; guess which one I could read!) only told us that the nearby offices were not in any way connected with this agency and that we should call the phone number on the door. I could tell they probably hasn't been there in some time, since the sign was taped across the door and the doorjam, and there was a letter just stuck part way in the door. I tried the number but got only a busy signal. At that point, I called the Maccabi appointment number to see if they had any information about what was going on. They only had the same number that I had (from the door), but they did try to call it, as well. They finally got through but only got a message. After that, I, too, was able to get through but also only got the message, then some more ringing, then the same message again. The message (in Hebrew) declared that they were open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, but obviously they were NOT!
Meanwhile, a lady who worked at a nearby café saw that David wasn't looking too good. I had set him down in one of their chairs, and she brought him some water, which he drank while I was doing all this phoning. When it became clear that we would NOT be having any appointment with that doctor today, I left David in the care of this kind lady, went up and got the car, and was able to park it temporarily (in a loading zone) just outside that part of the building so that David didn't have to navigate any more steps.
After that, we went and had lunch at Greg café in the Ice Park Mall. I had their egg-white omelet sandwich, and David had spinach cannelloni.
This evening, after my last class was canceled, we went over again to Ice Park and I got us frozen yogurts. David just sat in the car, and I brought them back so we could eat them together there. When we got home, we walked directly over to the green strip and sat there for a while. The weather was very nice out, with a lovely breeze. Before coming back up to our apartment, we sat on the bench by our building, and T'hila, an outdoor cat who belongs to a little boy in the other part of our building, came by for some love. She is very sweet (and I had learned her correct name from the little boy; we had previously thought it was a male cat whom we referred to as "Tabby Tom").
I was scheduled to teach 6 units today, but the last one once again turned out to be a late cancellation: 9:00-10:30, 5:15-4:45, and 6:00-7:30.
Months ago, I had scheduled an appointment for today with a neurologist. He (or she) was supposed to be at an agency called "Mad Negev" (meaning "Negev Measurement"), which is located down near the airport terminal. We had been there once before, when David needed some kind of electrical test on his arms, so I knew where it was. However, they are now doing some road and sidewalk work on HaTmarim Road, so we couldn't just follow the sidewalk around from the parking lot. Instead, we had to go through a couple of buildings and navigate several sets of steps. The worst were just before we got there because there were two full flights going down a full story without ANY railing! There was no working elevator in the building. David has a lot of trouble with steps these days, and because of that, he really freaks, which only makes things worse, of course.
As if all of the above weren't bad enough, we discovered when we got there that they were closed. A sign on the door (in Hebrew and Russian; guess which one I could read!) only told us that the nearby offices were not in any way connected with this agency and that we should call the phone number on the door. I could tell they probably hasn't been there in some time, since the sign was taped across the door and the doorjam, and there was a letter just stuck part way in the door. I tried the number but got only a busy signal. At that point, I called the Maccabi appointment number to see if they had any information about what was going on. They only had the same number that I had (from the door), but they did try to call it, as well. They finally got through but only got a message. After that, I, too, was able to get through but also only got the message, then some more ringing, then the same message again. The message (in Hebrew) declared that they were open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, but obviously they were NOT!
Meanwhile, a lady who worked at a nearby café saw that David wasn't looking too good. I had set him down in one of their chairs, and she brought him some water, which he drank while I was doing all this phoning. When it became clear that we would NOT be having any appointment with that doctor today, I left David in the care of this kind lady, went up and got the car, and was able to park it temporarily (in a loading zone) just outside that part of the building so that David didn't have to navigate any more steps.
After that, we went and had lunch at Greg café in the Ice Park Mall. I had their egg-white omelet sandwich, and David had spinach cannelloni.
This evening, after my last class was canceled, we went over again to Ice Park and I got us frozen yogurts. David just sat in the car, and I brought them back so we could eat them together there. When we got home, we walked directly over to the green strip and sat there for a while. The weather was very nice out, with a lovely breeze. Before coming back up to our apartment, we sat on the bench by our building, and T'hila, an outdoor cat who belongs to a little boy in the other part of our building, came by for some love. She is very sweet (and I had learned her correct name from the little boy; we had previously thought it was a male cat whom we referred to as "Tabby Tom").
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Tuesday, 4 June 2013
Last night I slept well, got up early, and got in a nice walk, work-out, and stretch session.
I was scheduled to teach 10 units today, but the first and last students were late cancellations, meaning I get paid for 10 units but only actually taught 6: 9:00-10:30, 10:30-12:00, 3:00-4:30, 4:30-6:00, and 7:00-8:30.
We ate lunch at Greg café today, and we went down and had frozen yogurts afterwards for dessert.
I was scheduled to teach 10 units today, but the first and last students were late cancellations, meaning I get paid for 10 units but only actually taught 6: 9:00-10:30, 10:30-12:00, 3:00-4:30, 4:30-6:00, and 7:00-8:30.
We ate lunch at Greg café today, and we went down and had frozen yogurts afterwards for dessert.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Monday, 3 June 2013
I got a good night's sleep last night but woke up feeling very tired anyway, so I didn't go out for a walk at all. Also, I knew that it would be unusually warm out there this morning.
I taught 8 units of Berlitz lessons today (although one lesson was a late cancellation, and the student had to leave 40 minutes early in the last one): 11:30-1:00, 3:30-5:00 (the late cancellation), 5:00-6:30, and 7:00-8:30.
We ate lunch at home today, mostly because the high temperature outside was again predicted to be 45˚C (=113˚F), but also to use up some of the food we brought home from restaurants some time back. It was still good, though.
So, I didn't go outside at all today except for going out on the balcony to feed the cats and clean their litter boxes.
I taught 8 units of Berlitz lessons today (although one lesson was a late cancellation, and the student had to leave 40 minutes early in the last one): 11:30-1:00, 3:30-5:00 (the late cancellation), 5:00-6:30, and 7:00-8:30.
We ate lunch at home today, mostly because the high temperature outside was again predicted to be 45˚C (=113˚F), but also to use up some of the food we brought home from restaurants some time back. It was still good, though.
So, I didn't go outside at all today except for going out on the balcony to feed the cats and clean their litter boxes.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Sunday, 2 June 2013
I got up fairly early and got a good walk and work-out in. It was very pleasant out.
We ran various errands today. Place and people visited include: the diabetes nurse, the pharmacy, the pet store, the market, the ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor, and the Ice Park Mall (which we went to twice, once for lunch, and the second time for frozen yogurt).
The predicted high temperature for Eilat today was 45˚C (=113˚F), and I think it got there. It was indeed VERY hot out there today. But it also was a very dry heat, which did make it more bearable.
We ran various errands today. Place and people visited include: the diabetes nurse, the pharmacy, the pet store, the market, the ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor, and the Ice Park Mall (which we went to twice, once for lunch, and the second time for frozen yogurt).
The predicted high temperature for Eilat today was 45˚C (=113˚F), and I think it got there. It was indeed VERY hot out there today. But it also was a very dry heat, which did make it more bearable.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Shabbat, 1 June 2013
I slept well, got up fairly early, and had a good walk and a short work-out.
Seventeen years ago today, David & I were united in a beautiful ceremony at our synagogue in Los Angeles, Beth Chayim Chadashim. Most of our friends, my mom (z"l), my kids, my ex-wife, and even my ex-boyfriend were there to celebrate with us.
So, today we decided to mark our anniversary by driving up to the Dead Sea. I figured that, with all the nice hotels there, there would surely be some nice restaurants, too. In fact, I'm pretty sure there ARE, but they don't seem to put up signs, so I guess one would have to actually go into one of the hotels to find out. We finally found a small mall that had 3 eating places. The best was Café Café, but they were kosher and so were closed on Shabbat. Another was call Beefpoint, so that CLEARLY was not for us! I didn't see the name of the other one, but there were pictures of fish dishes and spaghetti. We decided to go in, and the menu seemed okay if a bit mundane. David ordered pasta with mushroom cream sauce, and I ordered a Greek salad. Both, unfortunately, were really quite bad. The "pasta" turned out to be rather blah spaghetti (which is a little hard for a blind person to eat, in any case), and its sauce was very runny (apparently thickener is beyond the capabilities of the chef there!). Perhaps the name of the place should have been a clue: on the place mats and the napkins, in Hebrew but written in English letters, it said "Tapuach Sdom". Translation: Sodom Apple! Oy!
Anyway, it was a nice trip: a good drive, a nice look at the hotel district (where we had never been before), and some pleasant music in the car along the way.
After we came home, we got to talk with David's sister in Ohio, who is finally out of the hospital. Unfortunately, though, the transplanted kidney is still not working, so she's back on dialysis.
In the evening, we went over to Ice Park for frozen yogurt. We saw that they were getting ready for a show, so we stayed and watched the amazing skater from Bulgaria. Not only does she skate and dance beautifully on the ice, she also does astounding acrobatics on a ring that lifts her up high above the rink. This was a show I hadn't seen before, and the music was really cool, too. It sounded a little like tango music, but perhaps a bit more Eastern European. I don't know.
Seventeen years ago today, David & I were united in a beautiful ceremony at our synagogue in Los Angeles, Beth Chayim Chadashim. Most of our friends, my mom (z"l), my kids, my ex-wife, and even my ex-boyfriend were there to celebrate with us.
So, today we decided to mark our anniversary by driving up to the Dead Sea. I figured that, with all the nice hotels there, there would surely be some nice restaurants, too. In fact, I'm pretty sure there ARE, but they don't seem to put up signs, so I guess one would have to actually go into one of the hotels to find out. We finally found a small mall that had 3 eating places. The best was Café Café, but they were kosher and so were closed on Shabbat. Another was call Beefpoint, so that CLEARLY was not for us! I didn't see the name of the other one, but there were pictures of fish dishes and spaghetti. We decided to go in, and the menu seemed okay if a bit mundane. David ordered pasta with mushroom cream sauce, and I ordered a Greek salad. Both, unfortunately, were really quite bad. The "pasta" turned out to be rather blah spaghetti (which is a little hard for a blind person to eat, in any case), and its sauce was very runny (apparently thickener is beyond the capabilities of the chef there!). Perhaps the name of the place should have been a clue: on the place mats and the napkins, in Hebrew but written in English letters, it said "Tapuach Sdom". Translation: Sodom Apple! Oy!
Anyway, it was a nice trip: a good drive, a nice look at the hotel district (where we had never been before), and some pleasant music in the car along the way.
After we came home, we got to talk with David's sister in Ohio, who is finally out of the hospital. Unfortunately, though, the transplanted kidney is still not working, so she's back on dialysis.
In the evening, we went over to Ice Park for frozen yogurt. We saw that they were getting ready for a show, so we stayed and watched the amazing skater from Bulgaria. Not only does she skate and dance beautifully on the ice, she also does astounding acrobatics on a ring that lifts her up high above the rink. This was a show I hadn't seen before, and the music was really cool, too. It sounded a little like tango music, but perhaps a bit more Eastern European. I don't know.
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