I got up very early this morning and so had plenty of time for a nice walk to the gym, a good work-out while there, and my stretches on the way back.
I taught 4 units today: 9:00-10:30 and 11:00-12:30. The second class was only offered to me after 8:30 this morning, but I happily accepted it. It turned out to be a group that I had actually taught once before. All of the students live in the Munich area.
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino, and we both had our favorite pasta dishes there. Afterwards, we stopped to look around at one of the stores that stocks all kinds of inexpensive household things. We were just window shopping, though, and didn't buy anything. Next, we stopped to pick us PepsiMaxes at the Menta station and drove up the Arava as far as Be'er Ora (not very far).
In the evening, we went over to Ice Park, had frozen yogurt, and completed walking the loop all the way around the lower level. The ice rink was as crowded as I've ever seen it. It's now the height of the tourist season here (which does NOT mean we can shoot them, ha ha!), and I'm happy to see so many people enjoying Eilat. Before returning home we drove up highway 12 to the point where it goes over a little pass. From there one has a clear view of Egypt; the southern checkpoint on the highway is just down a little and around the corner.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Tuesday, 30 July 2013
I felt tired this morning when I woke up, and so I got up a little late. But I still managed to walk to the highway 12 kikar and back and to do my stretches near there.
I was originally scheduled to teach on 4 units today, but I got a call shortly after 8:30 offering me a 9:00 class. So I ended up teaching 6 units: 9:00-10:30, 2:30-4:00, and 4:00-5:30.
This morning I agreed for David to participate in a Maccabi study of hypoglycemia (blood sugar levels that are too low, also often called "insulin reactions") in people who are on insulin. I went over to the Maccabi office in town and filled out a short information form for the nurse there, and she gave me a sheet where we will note any episodes of low blood sugar that David may have in the next 28 days.
We ordered soyaburgers from Barbis for lunch today and had them delivered to our house. So convenient!
After my last class we went to Ice Park for frozen yogurt and then took a drive around the short loop. When we stopped at the northern check point on highway 12, one of the young soldiers asked me to turn up the music -- I was playing a Kenny G album, and I guess he liked it.
I was originally scheduled to teach on 4 units today, but I got a call shortly after 8:30 offering me a 9:00 class. So I ended up teaching 6 units: 9:00-10:30, 2:30-4:00, and 4:00-5:30.
This morning I agreed for David to participate in a Maccabi study of hypoglycemia (blood sugar levels that are too low, also often called "insulin reactions") in people who are on insulin. I went over to the Maccabi office in town and filled out a short information form for the nurse there, and she gave me a sheet where we will note any episodes of low blood sugar that David may have in the next 28 days.
We ordered soyaburgers from Barbis for lunch today and had them delivered to our house. So convenient!
After my last class we went to Ice Park for frozen yogurt and then took a drive around the short loop. When we stopped at the northern check point on highway 12, one of the young soldiers asked me to turn up the music -- I was playing a Kenny G album, and I guess he liked it.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Monday, 29 July 2013
This morning I got up a little late, at least partly because of the long walk yesterday morning, I think. I still walked to the highway 12 kikar, did my stretches, and walked back. It was quite warm up without much breeze.
I taught 6 units of Berlitz lesson today: 9:00-10:30, 3:00-4:30, and 7:00-8:30. The last one was not originally scheduled, but they called me just after 4:30 to see if I would take it. I was glad to, especially since it's with a student I have taught several times and will teach again Thursday night and a couple of times after that, as well.
I made the monthly trip to the pharmacy this morning. Even though it was at one of their busier times, I managed to get done there amazingly quickly. They have been steadily improving their system, I believe.
We ate lunch at Chooka today. I had a new vegetarian sushi combo, and it was quite interesting and tasted good, too.
I taught 6 units of Berlitz lesson today: 9:00-10:30, 3:00-4:30, and 7:00-8:30. The last one was not originally scheduled, but they called me just after 4:30 to see if I would take it. I was glad to, especially since it's with a student I have taught several times and will teach again Thursday night and a couple of times after that, as well.
I made the monthly trip to the pharmacy this morning. Even though it was at one of their busier times, I managed to get done there amazingly quickly. They have been steadily improving their system, I believe.
We ate lunch at Chooka today. I had a new vegetarian sushi combo, and it was quite interesting and tasted good, too.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Sunday, 28 July 2013
I got up quite early this morning and drove the car over to the repair shop. I didn't know if I could make it without overheating, so I planned to park it anywhere along the way if it did overheat and walk back home. As it turned out, in the cool of the morning without the A/C, it made it all the way there. So, I left the car parked there (they weren't open yet, of course) and simply walked all the way home. It took me a little less than an hour, and it was great exercise. Although the sun rose about the time I started walking, I was able to pick a route where I walked most of the time in the shade of buildings and trees.
After breakfast, I took a taxi back over there so that I could actually take the car in and have them check it. It turned out that there was a hose that had cracked where it connected to some other part. At about 11:30, he told me it would take them another couple hours to finish fixing it, so I took a taxi back home, and we ate lunch at home (veggie-burger and cheese sandwiches on 5-grain bread).
When the car was ready, they called me, and I took another taxi over to pick it up. The bill for the repair was 560 shekels. I then drove around the block to Shufersal, where I did the weekly grocery shopping.
At 5:30, I had made an appointment with our doctor to pick up all our regular prescriptions for the next 3 months. David talked with his sister in Ohio while I went to the doctor.
After that, we drove over to Ice Park and had our regular frozen yogurts. I've been experimenting a little with the ingredients, and I think I found the perfect combo today: strawberries, mango, mixed berries (called פרות יער perot ya'ar, which means "fruits of the forest", here), candied pecans, and white chocolate. Yum! The Zamboni was resurfacing the ice as we finished our yogurts, so we thought there might be an ice dance show, but there wasn't, so we just came back home.
After breakfast, I took a taxi back over there so that I could actually take the car in and have them check it. It turned out that there was a hose that had cracked where it connected to some other part. At about 11:30, he told me it would take them another couple hours to finish fixing it, so I took a taxi back home, and we ate lunch at home (veggie-burger and cheese sandwiches on 5-grain bread).
When the car was ready, they called me, and I took another taxi over to pick it up. The bill for the repair was 560 shekels. I then drove around the block to Shufersal, where I did the weekly grocery shopping.
At 5:30, I had made an appointment with our doctor to pick up all our regular prescriptions for the next 3 months. David talked with his sister in Ohio while I went to the doctor.
After that, we drove over to Ice Park and had our regular frozen yogurts. I've been experimenting a little with the ingredients, and I think I found the perfect combo today: strawberries, mango, mixed berries (called פרות יער perot ya'ar, which means "fruits of the forest", here), candied pecans, and white chocolate. Yum! The Zamboni was resurfacing the ice as we finished our yogurts, so we thought there might be an ice dance show, but there wasn't, so we just came back home.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Shabbat, 27 July 2013
I got up early and got in my full routine this morning.
Since our car overheated yesterday, we couldn't drive it anywhere today, so we ate at home. In the late afternoon, we called a taxi and went to Ice Park for frozen yogurt. Of course, we also had to take a taxi back. The money we spent on the 2 taxi rides was almost half again as much as the frozen yogurt (more than 30 shekels each way).
David was having a lot of trouble with stability and walking today, and he had to do more of it than when we drive to Ice Park. He managed, but just barely.
Since our car overheated yesterday, we couldn't drive it anywhere today, so we ate at home. In the late afternoon, we called a taxi and went to Ice Park for frozen yogurt. Of course, we also had to take a taxi back. The money we spent on the 2 taxi rides was almost half again as much as the frozen yogurt (more than 30 shekels each way).
David was having a lot of trouble with stability and walking today, and he had to do more of it than when we drive to Ice Park. He managed, but just barely.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Friday, 26 July 2013
I got up extra early this morning and got in a good walk and work-out. My right leg (really from the knee, I think, but going downward from there) began to hurt during my walk. I had to slow down in order to quiet the pain, but I did manage to do so.
Before breakfast, I also managed to take the cardboard boxes to their recycle bin and to buy challah and candy.
I taught 4 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30 and 11:30-1:00. Both were individual level-2 students from France (although the first one currently lives in the Netherlands).
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino again today. On the way back, shortly before we got home, the car overheated. We were able to make it home, but I'll have to take it in to the garage first thing Sunday morning, and we won't be able to drive it tomorrow at all.
In the last few days, I've been reading a short book in Esperanto online. It's not only IN Esperanto, it's also ABOUT Esperanto, mostly outlining and arguing the author's position that it's better to create new words from the existing roots in the language than to bring in words from other languages. His writing is very clear and interesting, and I find that, even though I've read very little Esperanto in several decades, I'm able to follow him very well. There are only a few words that he uses that are unfamiliar to me or that I have forgotten. Here's the link for anyone who can read Esperanto.
This evening we welcomed the Shabbat bride with candle-lighting, a little sweet wine, and whole-grain challah. Shabbat Shalom to everyone! שבת שלום לכולם!
Before breakfast, I also managed to take the cardboard boxes to their recycle bin and to buy challah and candy.
I taught 4 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30 and 11:30-1:00. Both were individual level-2 students from France (although the first one currently lives in the Netherlands).
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino again today. On the way back, shortly before we got home, the car overheated. We were able to make it home, but I'll have to take it in to the garage first thing Sunday morning, and we won't be able to drive it tomorrow at all.
In the last few days, I've been reading a short book in Esperanto online. It's not only IN Esperanto, it's also ABOUT Esperanto, mostly outlining and arguing the author's position that it's better to create new words from the existing roots in the language than to bring in words from other languages. His writing is very clear and interesting, and I find that, even though I've read very little Esperanto in several decades, I'm able to follow him very well. There are only a few words that he uses that are unfamiliar to me or that I have forgotten. Here's the link for anyone who can read Esperanto.
This evening we welcomed the Shabbat bride with candle-lighting, a little sweet wine, and whole-grain challah. Shabbat Shalom to everyone! שבת שלום לכולם!
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Thursday, 25 July 2013
I again got up early and so got in a good walk, a good work-out, and good stretches.
I taught 6 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30, 3:00-4:30, and 7:00-8:30.
We ate lunch at Café Greg today. David had cheese ravioli with rosé sauce (basically, tomato cream sauce), and I had their sabich salad.
The tongue on my watch's buckle broke today (it was plastic). At first, I was afraid I might have to get a new watch, since I didn't know any place in town to get a new band. But I managed to find one. It cost me 50 shekels, which was a bit high, but it's a better band, with a metal clasp (and a metal tongue), and I'm sure even a fairly cheap new watch would have cost at least as much, if not more. Besides, I actually LIKE my watch!
I taught 6 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30, 3:00-4:30, and 7:00-8:30.
We ate lunch at Café Greg today. David had cheese ravioli with rosé sauce (basically, tomato cream sauce), and I had their sabich salad.
The tongue on my watch's buckle broke today (it was plastic). At first, I was afraid I might have to get a new watch, since I didn't know any place in town to get a new band. But I managed to find one. It cost me 50 shekels, which was a bit high, but it's a better band, with a metal clasp (and a metal tongue), and I'm sure even a fairly cheap new watch would have cost at least as much, if not more. Besides, I actually LIKE my watch!
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
I got up nice and early this morning and got in a good walk, a good work-out at the gym, and good stretches on the way back.
I taught only 6 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30, 12:00-1:30 (which turned actually to be a no-show due to the student's computer crashing), and 3:30-5:00.
We ate lunch at Chooka at Ice Park today. I had vegetarian sushi, and David had noodles with vegetables. He had to go to the bathroom before we were finished eating, and he insisted on going by himself. Unfortunately, he missed the doors to go back to the restrooms and ended up walking all the way around the mall. By the time he got back to me, I was finished eating, and so I then escorted him to the facilities. I can't quite say that all was well, but let's just say that there was no major disaster.
After my last class, we went back over to Ice Park for our now-traditional frozen yogurt. After that we drove up to Samar and back before returning home. We listened to E. Power Biggs playing Bach organ music, but on the pedal harpsichord instead of the organ. This is from an LP that I bought many, many years ago (obviously!) and digitized recently. The music works amazingly well on such a different instrument from its original target.
I taught only 6 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30, 12:00-1:30 (which turned actually to be a no-show due to the student's computer crashing), and 3:30-5:00.
We ate lunch at Chooka at Ice Park today. I had vegetarian sushi, and David had noodles with vegetables. He had to go to the bathroom before we were finished eating, and he insisted on going by himself. Unfortunately, he missed the doors to go back to the restrooms and ended up walking all the way around the mall. By the time he got back to me, I was finished eating, and so I then escorted him to the facilities. I can't quite say that all was well, but let's just say that there was no major disaster.
After my last class, we went back over to Ice Park for our now-traditional frozen yogurt. After that we drove up to Samar and back before returning home. We listened to E. Power Biggs playing Bach organ music, but on the pedal harpsichord instead of the organ. This is from an LP that I bought many, many years ago (obviously!) and digitized recently. The music works amazingly well on such a different instrument from its original target.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
I really got up late this morning and so only walked to the kikar at the top of Ein N'tafim and back. At least I did get out and get a little exercise, though.
I taught 8 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30, 2:30-4:00, 4:00-5:30, and 6:00-7:30.
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino today and both had as usual favorites.
David talked to his sister a bit today during my last class.
After my last class, David and I walked over to the green strip and sat on the bench there. Then we walked back and sat on the bench by our building. Of course, T'hila came over to get some love while we sat there!
I taught 8 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30, 2:30-4:00, 4:00-5:30, and 6:00-7:30.
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino today and both had as usual favorites.
David talked to his sister a bit today during my last class.
After my last class, David and I walked over to the green strip and sat on the bench there. Then we walked back and sat on the bench by our building. Of course, T'hila came over to get some love while we sat there!
Monday, July 22, 2013
Monday, 22 July 2013
I got up a little late this morning, so I only took the time to take out the plastic bottles to the recycle bin. If my count wasn't off (I was, after all, counting in Hebrew), I put 56 bottles in there!
I taught only 4 units today: 9:00-10:30 and 5:00-6:30.
We ate lunch at 9 Bar today, the mostly meat (but definitely NOT kosher) restaurant located next to Café Greg at Ice Park. We split a vegetarian pad thai, and I also ordered their "nacho chips", just to see what they'd be like. Let's just say that they definitely had NOTHING to do with anything similar to nachos. What they were were barbecue-flavored corn chips. The dips that came with them were a little weird, too: some kind of soft cheese instead of sour cream, guacamole that was almost right but a little bland, and salsa that was vaguely Mexican but with the wrong spices, probably more Mediterranean. Oh well, I just had to know!
We drove up the Arava as far as Samar and then back after lunch.
I started the process of orchestrating my setting of Eli Eli today. I didn't get very far, but I'm sure it will be good in the end. And the most important thing is that I'm getting back to working my my orchestra album, which I've been neglecting for some time now.
After my last class we went over to Ice Park again and had frozen yogurt. When we returned, we sat for some time on the bench by our building, enjoying the pleasant summer warmth and giving lots of love to T'hila, our neighbor boy's wonderful cat. She is so nice!
I taught only 4 units today: 9:00-10:30 and 5:00-6:30.
We ate lunch at 9 Bar today, the mostly meat (but definitely NOT kosher) restaurant located next to Café Greg at Ice Park. We split a vegetarian pad thai, and I also ordered their "nacho chips", just to see what they'd be like. Let's just say that they definitely had NOTHING to do with anything similar to nachos. What they were were barbecue-flavored corn chips. The dips that came with them were a little weird, too: some kind of soft cheese instead of sour cream, guacamole that was almost right but a little bland, and salsa that was vaguely Mexican but with the wrong spices, probably more Mediterranean. Oh well, I just had to know!
We drove up the Arava as far as Samar and then back after lunch.
I started the process of orchestrating my setting of Eli Eli today. I didn't get very far, but I'm sure it will be good in the end. And the most important thing is that I'm getting back to working my my orchestra album, which I've been neglecting for some time now.
After my last class we went over to Ice Park again and had frozen yogurt. When we returned, we sat for some time on the bench by our building, enjoying the pleasant summer warmth and giving lots of love to T'hila, our neighbor boy's wonderful cat. She is so nice!
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Sunday, 21 July 2013
I again got a good walk, a work-out at the gym, and my stretches in this morning. As I walked up the green strip, I saw a dead tortoise-shell cat lying on the lawn. I hope it was NOT Torty! I think she was a little bigger than Torty.
I went to Shufersal this morning and did the weekly grocery shopping.
We ate lunch today at Café Café at Ice Park. After that, we took a drive around the short loop, listening to the 3 Chorales by César Franck. As we went by the Uvda airport, we saw an airliner take off, a first for us. We saw a plane land there once before, and we've seen planes at the terminal several times. But usually there are NO airliners anywhere to be seen there. It is also an air force base, but I've never seen any military planes there at all. I think they're kept hidden away.
In the evening, we went back to Ice Park and had frozen yogurt, then walked the rest of the way around the lower level before returning home.
I went to Shufersal this morning and did the weekly grocery shopping.
We ate lunch today at Café Café at Ice Park. After that, we took a drive around the short loop, listening to the 3 Chorales by César Franck. As we went by the Uvda airport, we saw an airliner take off, a first for us. We saw a plane land there once before, and we've seen planes at the terminal several times. But usually there are NO airliners anywhere to be seen there. It is also an air force base, but I've never seen any military planes there at all. I think they're kept hidden away.
In the evening, we went back to Ice Park and had frozen yogurt, then walked the rest of the way around the lower level before returning home.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Shabbat, 20 July 2013
I walked all the way to the gym this morning, got in a good work-out there, and did my stretches on the way back. I petted Fluffy as I passed in both directions.
We drove around the big loop today, going up highway 12, then left on highway 40, then taking highway 13 down to the Arava, and finally returning home on highway 90 (the Arava highway). Before leaving, I created a special playlist of music for us to listen to on the trip.
On the way down the Arava, we stopped at Kibbutz Yahel and ate lunch again at the Kakao restaurant there. David had pizza with black olives and grilled bell pepper on it, and I had "Tel Aviv French Toast", which consisted of a small side salad, green olives, and a sunny-side-up egg on top of toasted challah. I had never had it before, and it was very nice!
In the evening, we drove down to Ice Park for frozen yogurt. After eating it, we walked all the way around the mall on the upper level. When we left there, we drove down the coast all the way to the border crossing to Egypt and back before we returned home.
I've been thinking today about how to market the album of orchestral music that I'm working on, even though it was still be quite a while before it is ready. I'm sure that I will have a website, probably hosted by HostBaby, the same company (CD Baby) which I market my organ music. What I'm NOT sure about is exactly how I want to "present" the orchestra. Should I feature the fact that it's all done through sequencing, or should I downplay that to the point that it's almost not mentioned? Perhaps there is some option in between. This is all part of creating some kind of brand identity that will catch the attention of people who might be interested in this kind of music (mostly arrangements of Jewish melodies for full orchestra or various subgroups of the orchestra).
We drove around the big loop today, going up highway 12, then left on highway 40, then taking highway 13 down to the Arava, and finally returning home on highway 90 (the Arava highway). Before leaving, I created a special playlist of music for us to listen to on the trip.
On the way down the Arava, we stopped at Kibbutz Yahel and ate lunch again at the Kakao restaurant there. David had pizza with black olives and grilled bell pepper on it, and I had "Tel Aviv French Toast", which consisted of a small side salad, green olives, and a sunny-side-up egg on top of toasted challah. I had never had it before, and it was very nice!
In the evening, we drove down to Ice Park for frozen yogurt. After eating it, we walked all the way around the mall on the upper level. When we left there, we drove down the coast all the way to the border crossing to Egypt and back before we returned home.
I've been thinking today about how to market the album of orchestral music that I'm working on, even though it was still be quite a while before it is ready. I'm sure that I will have a website, probably hosted by HostBaby, the same company (CD Baby) which I market my organ music. What I'm NOT sure about is exactly how I want to "present" the orchestra. Should I feature the fact that it's all done through sequencing, or should I downplay that to the point that it's almost not mentioned? Perhaps there is some option in between. This is all part of creating some kind of brand identity that will catch the attention of people who might be interested in this kind of music (mostly arrangements of Jewish melodies for full orchestra or various subgroups of the orchestra).
Friday, July 19, 2013
Friday, 19 July 2013
I got up a bit late this morning, but I still walked over to the highway 12 kikar and back. No cats, though.
Before breakfast, I also took the empty soda 6-pack boxes to the cardboard recycle place, walked over to the bakery and got challah and other pastries for Shabbat, and continued to the candy store to replenish our supply of Snickers.
I only had 1 2-unit class today: 9:00-10:30.
We had lunch at Il Pentolino. David had spinach ravioli with Roquefort sauce, and I had an egg salad sandwich.
In the evening, we walked over to the green strip and sat on the bench there for a while. When we came back, we also sat some more on the bench by our building, where T'hila, the female tabby cat that belongs to a little boy who lives in the other part of the building, came over and got as much love as she could from us. She is really sweet!
Finally, we made Shabbat, lighting the candles, drinking a bit of sweet wine, eating challah, and enjoying our pastries. David also had a small shot glass of Sabra liqueur, and I had a glass of milk with a bit of Bailey Cream Liqueur in it. A nice way to welcome the Shabbat bride!
Before breakfast, I also took the empty soda 6-pack boxes to the cardboard recycle place, walked over to the bakery and got challah and other pastries for Shabbat, and continued to the candy store to replenish our supply of Snickers.
I only had 1 2-unit class today: 9:00-10:30.
We had lunch at Il Pentolino. David had spinach ravioli with Roquefort sauce, and I had an egg salad sandwich.
In the evening, we walked over to the green strip and sat on the bench there for a while. When we came back, we also sat some more on the bench by our building, where T'hila, the female tabby cat that belongs to a little boy who lives in the other part of the building, came over and got as much love as she could from us. She is really sweet!
Finally, we made Shabbat, lighting the candles, drinking a bit of sweet wine, eating challah, and enjoying our pastries. David also had a small shot glass of Sabra liqueur, and I had a glass of milk with a bit of Bailey Cream Liqueur in it. A nice way to welcome the Shabbat bride!
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Thursday, 18 July 2013
I got up quite late this morning, but I still managed to walk to the highway 12 kikar and back. I didn't see any of my feline friends, though.
I taught 8 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30, 3:00-4:30, 4:30-6:00, and 7:00-8:30.
For lunch, we went to News Coffee Express (I think I've got that name right), a place we had never eaten before. I had a Greek salad which was okay but not outstanding. David had a Roquefort salad which, on the other hand, was delicious and very interesting. It included little morsels of walnuts and small slices of figs and pears.
I taught 8 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30, 3:00-4:30, 4:30-6:00, and 7:00-8:30.
For lunch, we went to News Coffee Express (I think I've got that name right), a place we had never eaten before. I had a Greek salad which was okay but not outstanding. David had a Roquefort salad which, on the other hand, was delicious and very interesting. It included little morsels of walnuts and small slices of figs and pears.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
I got up a little later this morning, but I still walked to the highway 12 kikar and did my stretches near there. I petted Fluffy on the way out but saw neither him nor any of the other cats on my way back.
I taught 9 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30, 12:00-1:30, 3:00-5:15, and 7:00-8:30.
We ate our usual pasta dishes at Il Pentolino for lunch today.
David talked to his sister and her husband this afternoon, and I joined them briefly, as well. After that, David and I went over to Ice Park and had frozen yogurt.
I taught 9 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30, 12:00-1:30, 3:00-5:15, and 7:00-8:30.
We ate our usual pasta dishes at Il Pentolino for lunch today.
David talked to his sister and her husband this afternoon, and I joined them briefly, as well. After that, David and I went over to Ice Park and had frozen yogurt.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Tuesday, 16 July 2013 - Tisha B'Av
I got up early enough to get in a good walk, a short but effective work-out, and my stretches. I didn't see ANY of my outdoor feline friends along the way today, though.
I taught 10 units of Berlitz lessons today (although the first 2-unit lesson was actually a no-show): 9:00-10:30, 10:30-12:00, 12:00-1:30, 4:00-5:30, and 7:00-8:30.
We ate lunch at home today because I thought that the restaurants would be closed for Tisha B'Av, a big fast day. However, when we went over to Ice Park before my last class, even the kosher restaurants were actually open!
Thirteen years ago, on this day (Tisha B'Av, the 9th of Av) on the Jewish calendar (which actually fell in August of 2000), we bought our house in San Bernardino. Six years later, shortly after we had moved to Israel, and VERY shortly before the real estate crash in the States, we sold that house for about 2.5 times what we had paid for it. The money we made on that lucky investment is STILL helping us! Besides that, it was a very nice house to live in!
I taught 10 units of Berlitz lessons today (although the first 2-unit lesson was actually a no-show): 9:00-10:30, 10:30-12:00, 12:00-1:30, 4:00-5:30, and 7:00-8:30.
We ate lunch at home today because I thought that the restaurants would be closed for Tisha B'Av, a big fast day. However, when we went over to Ice Park before my last class, even the kosher restaurants were actually open!
Thirteen years ago, on this day (Tisha B'Av, the 9th of Av) on the Jewish calendar (which actually fell in August of 2000), we bought our house in San Bernardino. Six years later, shortly after we had moved to Israel, and VERY shortly before the real estate crash in the States, we sold that house for about 2.5 times what we had paid for it. The money we made on that lucky investment is STILL helping us! Besides that, it was a very nice house to live in!
Monday, July 15, 2013
Monday, 15 July 2013
I got up early and got a good walk and work-out in, including stretches. The only cat I saw, though, was Fluffy, but I petted him while walking in both directions.
I listened again to all the orchestral pieces that I've been working on, but I didn't get anything more done on any of them.
David got a "personal amplifier" today, which should help him hear better. He also got a new insulin pump with a 5-year warranty.
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino today. I tried their creamed baked potato, which was quite nice.
I taught 6 units of Berlitz lesson today: 3:30-5:00, 5:00-6:30, and 7:00-8:30. I had had to cancel the one that I was originally scheduled for, 12:00-1:30, in order to get David's new insulin pump.
I listened again to all the orchestral pieces that I've been working on, but I didn't get anything more done on any of them.
David got a "personal amplifier" today, which should help him hear better. He also got a new insulin pump with a 5-year warranty.
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino today. I tried their creamed baked potato, which was quite nice.
I taught 6 units of Berlitz lesson today: 3:30-5:00, 5:00-6:30, and 7:00-8:30. I had had to cancel the one that I was originally scheduled for, 12:00-1:30, in order to get David's new insulin pump.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Sunday, 14 July 2013 "Allons enfants de la patrie, le jour de gloire ..."
I got up a little late this morning, but I still took the time to walk to the highway 12 kikar and back and to do my stretches.
This morning we went to the pet store to get more cat food and cat litter, and then we continued to Shufersal to do the weekly grocery shopping. David was feeling better today and accompanied me to both places.
Today we ate lunch at Café Greg. We split an omelet sandwich.
In the afternoon, we drove up to Har Khizkiyahu ("Mount Hezekiah"), which is a spot on the Egyptian border with a great view of Aqaba, Jordan, and the end of the gulf. We actually couldn't go quite to the peak because it is right on the border, and no one is allowed to go that close to the new fence. Instead, we parked just off the highway on the short road that connects it to the fence road (for military use only) and enjoyed the view.
When we came back to Eilat, we went to Ice Park for frozen yogurt and then continued to Mercaz Big to do a little shopping. I got myself a couple more Hebrew books to read (both are actually translations of English books; one is the biography of Steve Jobs).
This morning we went to the pet store to get more cat food and cat litter, and then we continued to Shufersal to do the weekly grocery shopping. David was feeling better today and accompanied me to both places.
Today we ate lunch at Café Greg. We split an omelet sandwich.
In the afternoon, we drove up to Har Khizkiyahu ("Mount Hezekiah"), which is a spot on the Egyptian border with a great view of Aqaba, Jordan, and the end of the gulf. We actually couldn't go quite to the peak because it is right on the border, and no one is allowed to go that close to the new fence. Instead, we parked just off the highway on the short road that connects it to the fence road (for military use only) and enjoyed the view.
When we came back to Eilat, we went to Ice Park for frozen yogurt and then continued to Mercaz Big to do a little shopping. I got myself a couple more Hebrew books to read (both are actually translations of English books; one is the biography of Steve Jobs).
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Shabbat, 13 July 2013
I got up, walked over to the gym, worked out just a little, and walked back home this morning. I petted Fluffy and Mielo, but I didn't see Torty.
We ate lunch at Kakao at the Ice Park today. I had their breakfast spread, and David had their spinach quiche.
After that, we drove up the Arava as far "101 km", which was closed. I made a left turn into their parking area and was just verifying that they really were closed when a police car that had been parked nearby drove over next to me. The officer asked me if I new what I had done and, of course, requested to see my driver's license. I really didn't know, but here's what it was: there is a solid white line in the middle of the road there, and one must NEVER cross such a line. Now I did know that you can't PASS a car by crossing the solid line, but I did NOT know that you can't make a left turn over it, either. Well, now I know. They took down my info, including my license number, car plates, and telephone number, but I don't know if I get a violation and have to pay a fine or not. The really strange thing is that there's really no easy way to get to this place if one is driving north. Either you have to go way up further and make a U-turn, and then, when you leave, go south some distance and make another U-turn, or you have to park on the other side and walk across highway 90, where traffic can be moving quite fast in both directions (although it's only a 2-lane road there, of course). Basically, it means that we'll probably rarely if ever stop there again. And the experience DEFINITELY ruined my whole day! I probably should be happy that I was able to converse with the officers in Hebrew, but I still felt just generally bummed by the experience.
We ate lunch at Kakao at the Ice Park today. I had their breakfast spread, and David had their spinach quiche.
After that, we drove up the Arava as far "101 km", which was closed. I made a left turn into their parking area and was just verifying that they really were closed when a police car that had been parked nearby drove over next to me. The officer asked me if I new what I had done and, of course, requested to see my driver's license. I really didn't know, but here's what it was: there is a solid white line in the middle of the road there, and one must NEVER cross such a line. Now I did know that you can't PASS a car by crossing the solid line, but I did NOT know that you can't make a left turn over it, either. Well, now I know. They took down my info, including my license number, car plates, and telephone number, but I don't know if I get a violation and have to pay a fine or not. The really strange thing is that there's really no easy way to get to this place if one is driving north. Either you have to go way up further and make a U-turn, and then, when you leave, go south some distance and make another U-turn, or you have to park on the other side and walk across highway 90, where traffic can be moving quite fast in both directions (although it's only a 2-lane road there, of course). Basically, it means that we'll probably rarely if ever stop there again. And the experience DEFINITELY ruined my whole day! I probably should be happy that I was able to converse with the officers in Hebrew, but I still felt just generally bummed by the experience.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Friday, 12 July 2013
This morning, instead of going for a walk, I took out the trash and all the various things to be recycled: plastic bottles, containers, paper, and cardboard (to 4 different places). I also walked down to the bakery on bought challah for Shabbat and continued over to the candy store to replenish our supplies.
I taught only one 2-unit Berlitz class today: 9:00-10:30.
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino, having our usual favorite Friday lunch dishes.
We talked to David's sister in Ohio, who was released from the hospital yesterday. She's doing well.
In the evening, we lit candles, drank wine, and ate challah to bring in the peace of Shabbat.
שבת שלום! Shabbat Shalom!
I taught only one 2-unit Berlitz class today: 9:00-10:30.
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino, having our usual favorite Friday lunch dishes.
We talked to David's sister in Ohio, who was released from the hospital yesterday. She's doing well.
In the evening, we lit candles, drank wine, and ate challah to bring in the peace of Shabbat.
שבת שלום! Shabbat Shalom!
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Thursday, 11 July 2013
I got up quite late this morning even though I had slept well. Nevertheless, I did enjoy a nice walk to the highway 12 kikar and back, with a delicious breeze. I petted Fluffy on the way out and Torty on the way back. She was in her regular area again today.
I taught only 4 units of Berlitz lesson today: 10:30-12:00 and 12:00-1:30. Both were individual female students in France.
When we started to go out for lunch, the elevator in our building was not working. This is the first time since we've been here that there has been any problem with it. I walked down the stairs and discovered that the difficulty was that the door on the 3rd floor (one down from us) was not closing all the way, thus preventing the car from leaving that floor.
So, instead of going to Chooka at Ice Park, as we had planned, we CALLED them and had our food delivered here, which was actually CHEAPER (well, mostly because we used the soda we already had instead of ordering that, too).
Some time after we had finished eating, I checked and found that the elevator had been fixed, so we decided to go down to Ice Park then. We walked all the way around the lower level and stopped to eat our usual frozen yogurt.
After that, we stopped at a gas station to buy PepsiMax and then drove up to Yahel and back, stopping there to replenish our drinks. I was still working on mine, but I got David another one since he had finished his first one.
I taught only 4 units of Berlitz lesson today: 10:30-12:00 and 12:00-1:30. Both were individual female students in France.
When we started to go out for lunch, the elevator in our building was not working. This is the first time since we've been here that there has been any problem with it. I walked down the stairs and discovered that the difficulty was that the door on the 3rd floor (one down from us) was not closing all the way, thus preventing the car from leaving that floor.
So, instead of going to Chooka at Ice Park, as we had planned, we CALLED them and had our food delivered here, which was actually CHEAPER (well, mostly because we used the soda we already had instead of ordering that, too).
Some time after we had finished eating, I checked and found that the elevator had been fixed, so we decided to go down to Ice Park then. We walked all the way around the lower level and stopped to eat our usual frozen yogurt.
After that, we stopped at a gas station to buy PepsiMax and then drove up to Yahel and back, stopping there to replenish our drinks. I was still working on mine, but I got David another one since he had finished his first one.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Wednesday, 10 July 2013
I got up plenty early this morning for a walk to the gym, a short work-out there, and stretches on the way home. I had a surprise as I was walking up the green strip on my way out. I heard a mew and looked to see who the cat was, and it was Torty, a good 2 blocks from where I have always seen her before. She proceded to follow me all the way through Fluffy's "territory" (including passing Fluffy WITHOUT his approval!) and further. Usually cats, especially females, do NOT wander that far.
I taught 6 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30, 11:30-1:00, and 7:00-8:30.
We had lunch again at Café Greg today, after which we took a drive around the short loop. On returning, we talked to David's sister, who is in the hospital again, for a while. Then we went back over to Ice Park for frozen yogurt before my evening class.
I taught 6 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30, 11:30-1:00, and 7:00-8:30.
We had lunch again at Café Greg today, after which we took a drive around the short loop. On returning, we talked to David's sister, who is in the hospital again, for a while. Then we went back over to Ice Park for frozen yogurt before my evening class.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Tuesday, 9 July 2013
I got up quite early today and had time to walk all the way to the gym and to work out there, as well. I did my stretches on the way back. I saw Fluffy and Mielo (but not Torty).
I taught 6 units of Berlitz lessons today (although the first was actually a no-show): 9:00-10:30, 10:30-12:00, and 12:00-1:30.
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino today. David had his usual, but I had whole-wheat spaghetti (my usual pasta) with their Napoli sauce (basically, a tomato sauce -- I had never tried it before).
In the late afternoon, we went over to Ice Park and had frozen yogurt.
I taught 6 units of Berlitz lessons today (although the first was actually a no-show): 9:00-10:30, 10:30-12:00, and 12:00-1:30.
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino today. David had his usual, but I had whole-wheat spaghetti (my usual pasta) with their Napoli sauce (basically, a tomato sauce -- I had never tried it before).
In the late afternoon, we went over to Ice Park and had frozen yogurt.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Monday, 8 July 2013
I got up early enough this morning to walk all the way to the gym and back. I didn't work out there on any of the machines, but I did stop on the way back to do stretches. I petted Fluffy and Mielo, but I didn't see any other cats.
I taught only 4 units of Berlitz lessons today, both 2-unit classes were the first of a short program of summer classes for WHO (World Health Organization) workers around the world. In the first class, from 12:00-1:30, were a woman doctor in Vietnam who works on HIV issues there, an IT guy in Cambodia, a travel scheduler in Burma, and a woman in New Delhi, India, who manages their bookshop there. What an interesting group! There were supposed to be 2 people in my evening class (7:00-8:30), but the one in Washington, DC, didn't show up, so there was only a woman in Brazil there.
We ate lunch again at Café Greg.
I watched another video lecture today for the Discrete Optimization class. I followed what the professor was saying, but one lecture was about all I could take at a time; it's pretty heavy stuff!
I taught only 4 units of Berlitz lessons today, both 2-unit classes were the first of a short program of summer classes for WHO (World Health Organization) workers around the world. In the first class, from 12:00-1:30, were a woman doctor in Vietnam who works on HIV issues there, an IT guy in Cambodia, a travel scheduler in Burma, and a woman in New Delhi, India, who manages their bookshop there. What an interesting group! There were supposed to be 2 people in my evening class (7:00-8:30), but the one in Washington, DC, didn't show up, so there was only a woman in Brazil there.
We ate lunch again at Café Greg.
I watched another video lecture today for the Discrete Optimization class. I followed what the professor was saying, but one lecture was about all I could take at a time; it's pretty heavy stuff!
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Sunday, 7 July 2013
I got up a little late this morning, but I still took time to walk to the highway 12 kikar and back. I petted a gingi cat in the green strip that I think I may have petted a time or two some time back. Anyway, he was very nice. I also petted Fluffy and Mielo, but I again did not see Torty at all.
I discovered sad but not unexpected news this morning when I opened the curtains to the balcony to let the cats in: Peachy had died during the night. :-( She had been very skinny almost all her life, and last week she had begun to seem a little week. As I mentioned in my last post, though, she had very bad diarrhea yesterday and was dramatically weaker. There's not doubt that her memory will be a blessing for us. We miss her! It may just be projection on our parts, but it seems like the boys (our 2 remaining cats) miss her, too, and are a bit sad today.
This morning, we went over to Maccabi to sign some papers for the nurses so that David can get his brand new insulin pump. This evening we got a call from the representative of the pump company to let us know that she expects to be here on the 15th of July.
We ate lunch at Café Greg today. David had mini-brownies, and I had a sabich salad.
This afternoon, I did a little shopping at Mercaz Big. I bought a wonderful dictionary at Steimatzky, the book store there. Each page has an illustration with many things labeled in both English and Hebrew. The range of topics is breathtaking, from the human body to food to household items and appliances to do-it-yourself projects to plumbing to sewing to... Well, you get the picture. I also bought myself 4 new tank tops at Castro, a purple one, a gold one, an orange one, and a powder blue one. After all, tank tops are my shirts for well over half the year here in Eilat! I then continued on over to Shufersal to do the weekly grocery shopping.
In the evening, we went to Ice Park and had more frozen yogurt.
I discovered sad but not unexpected news this morning when I opened the curtains to the balcony to let the cats in: Peachy had died during the night. :-( She had been very skinny almost all her life, and last week she had begun to seem a little week. As I mentioned in my last post, though, she had very bad diarrhea yesterday and was dramatically weaker. There's not doubt that her memory will be a blessing for us. We miss her! It may just be projection on our parts, but it seems like the boys (our 2 remaining cats) miss her, too, and are a bit sad today.
This morning, we went over to Maccabi to sign some papers for the nurses so that David can get his brand new insulin pump. This evening we got a call from the representative of the pump company to let us know that she expects to be here on the 15th of July.
We ate lunch at Café Greg today. David had mini-brownies, and I had a sabich salad.
This afternoon, I did a little shopping at Mercaz Big. I bought a wonderful dictionary at Steimatzky, the book store there. Each page has an illustration with many things labeled in both English and Hebrew. The range of topics is breathtaking, from the human body to food to household items and appliances to do-it-yourself projects to plumbing to sewing to... Well, you get the picture. I also bought myself 4 new tank tops at Castro, a purple one, a gold one, an orange one, and a powder blue one. After all, tank tops are my shirts for well over half the year here in Eilat! I then continued on over to Shufersal to do the weekly grocery shopping.
In the evening, we went to Ice Park and had more frozen yogurt.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Shabbat, 6 July 2013
I got up very early this morning and walked to the gym and did my work-out there. The only cat I saw was Mielo.
We decided to drive to Mitzpe Ramon today, just for the drive. We bought sodas and Snickers there, and then headed back, stopping again at Yahel for lunch. David has cheese ravioli with Alfredo sauce, and I had their breakfast combo.
When we got back, we smelled a terrible smell as soon as we entered, as though something had died. What it actually was was that Peachy (our female calico cat) had had a lot of very foul diarrhea in several rooms and was lying by the piano obviously very sick. I knew that she hadn't been feeling quite right the last few days and had planned to take her to the vet on Sunday. But I had no idea that it would be this bad this quickly. I called the vet (getting the number from our friend, Moshe) and decided to try to get her to drink enough to get her through to morning, when they'll be open. She's been so skinny for so long, though, that I'm afraid she won't make it.
In the evening, we went over to Ice Park and had some frozen yogurt.
We decided to drive to Mitzpe Ramon today, just for the drive. We bought sodas and Snickers there, and then headed back, stopping again at Yahel for lunch. David has cheese ravioli with Alfredo sauce, and I had their breakfast combo.
When we got back, we smelled a terrible smell as soon as we entered, as though something had died. What it actually was was that Peachy (our female calico cat) had had a lot of very foul diarrhea in several rooms and was lying by the piano obviously very sick. I knew that she hadn't been feeling quite right the last few days and had planned to take her to the vet on Sunday. But I had no idea that it would be this bad this quickly. I called the vet (getting the number from our friend, Moshe) and decided to try to get her to drink enough to get her through to morning, when they'll be open. She's been so skinny for so long, though, that I'm afraid she won't make it.
In the evening, we went over to Ice Park and had some frozen yogurt.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Friday, 5 July 2013
This morning, instead of my usual walk, I worked on getting the recyclables out to their respective places. First, I took the plastic bottles and containers, together with the regular trash. Then I came back and took the cardboard (pizza boxes and LOTS of soda 6-pack boxes) down to the bin by the "Like" store. After that, I stopped at the bakery, which was just opening (around 7 a.m.), and got challah for Shabbat, followed by a stop at the candy store.
I was scheduled to teach 4 units of Berlitz lessons today (9:00-10:30 and 10:30-12:00), but the second class (2 units) was a late cancellation. I was actually informed last evening about it.
We had our now-traditional Friday lunch at Il Pentolino.
In the late afternoon, we took a drive up highway 12 and back, turning around a kilometer or 2 before the northern checkpoint.
In the evening, we lit candles, drank wine, and ate challah to bring in the Shabbat bride.
I was scheduled to teach 4 units of Berlitz lessons today (9:00-10:30 and 10:30-12:00), but the second class (2 units) was a late cancellation. I was actually informed last evening about it.
We had our now-traditional Friday lunch at Il Pentolino.
In the late afternoon, we took a drive up highway 12 and back, turning around a kilometer or 2 before the northern checkpoint.
In the evening, we lit candles, drank wine, and ate challah to bring in the Shabbat bride.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Thursday, 4 July 2013 (Happy Birthday, U.S.A.!)
I got up early enough this morning for my walk to the gym and even a short work-out. I petted my outdoor friends on the way back, but Torty was missing this morning.
I taught 8 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30, 10:30-12:00, 3:00-4:30, and 7:00-8:30.
We had lunch today at Barbis. Both of us ordered their soyaburger, which is delicious but, of course, very messy to eat!
In the evening, we had frozen yogurt at Ice Park again and watched the 6:00 show, which was different from the one yesterday. The performers were the same, and their routines were also similar, but the music was completely different, and so were their costumes.
I taught 8 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30, 10:30-12:00, 3:00-4:30, and 7:00-8:30.
We had lunch today at Barbis. Both of us ordered their soyaburger, which is delicious but, of course, very messy to eat!
In the evening, we had frozen yogurt at Ice Park again and watched the 6:00 show, which was different from the one yesterday. The performers were the same, and their routines were also similar, but the music was completely different, and so were their costumes.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Wednesday, 3 July 2013
Last night, I awoke a little after midnight and was awake enough to notice that David did not return to the bedroom for some time. After a while, I decided I had better go check on him. I found him sitting on the bathroom floor with soaking wet pants and his shirt somewhat wet, as well. I don't how he got there or whether he fell, but I did manage to get him to use the edge of the bathtub to get him up. Somewhere along the way he injured his right wrist, and it's been causing him pain all day today. However, I don't think it's really anything serious; it'll just take some time to heal.
After all this, I had a LOT of trouble getting back to sleep, and so I didn't get up until after 7:00 and thus had no time at all for a walk today.
I taught only one student for 2 units today: 9:00-10:30.
After my class, I took our car over to the local Fiat garage for its 80,000-km service. They said it would be done by 3:00, so I decided to take the number 6 bus home. It only runs once an hour, though, so I had to wait about 45 minutes before it arrived. Then the ride itself took another 45 minutes because it goes on a tour of about half the city -- around and around in the hotel district, and then up and down and back and forth through multiple neighborhoods. At least it only cost me 4.7 shekels! I sat right up front, and the handsome driver at least made the trip a little more enjoyable! ;-)
We decided to order pizza to be delivered for lunch rather than take a taxi somewhere out to eat.
At just after 2:00 p.m., the garage called me to tell me the car was ready, so I immediately ordered a taxi and headed right over there. That cost 25 shekels, but it was much, much faster, of course!
At 5:00 p.m. we had an appointment with the lady, Beti Ani, who sells hearing aids. When she noticed David's motor difficulties, she said that he might be better served by a larger device on his chest with much easier volume adjustment. This was really nice of her because she does not actually SELL any of these and so she made no money at all for her time. She gave us 2 phone numbers to call about them, though, and she also said that they are MUCH cheaper. I hereby award her the "Mensch of the Day" award! כל הכבוד!
We then drove over to Ice Park and had frozen yogurt. We also stayed long enough to watch the 6:00 p.m. ice dance show. It was a new show that we hadn't seen, set to music from the musical "Chicago", and it featured the cute Hungarian guy who always does a backflip as part of his routine and the girl from London who always does such amazing acrobatics on the loop hanging high above the ice in addition to her skating.
Then we stopped to fill the car with gas (and to add the additive that they gave me at the garage to clean out the engine), to go to the bathroom, and to buy a couple of cold PepsiMaxes for a drive up the Arava and back.
In the evening, I watched a couple of videos from the Discrete Optimization class. I'm going to continue enjoying the videos even though I can't do the necessary programming to solve the class problems and really solidify the learning.
After all this, I had a LOT of trouble getting back to sleep, and so I didn't get up until after 7:00 and thus had no time at all for a walk today.
I taught only one student for 2 units today: 9:00-10:30.
After my class, I took our car over to the local Fiat garage for its 80,000-km service. They said it would be done by 3:00, so I decided to take the number 6 bus home. It only runs once an hour, though, so I had to wait about 45 minutes before it arrived. Then the ride itself took another 45 minutes because it goes on a tour of about half the city -- around and around in the hotel district, and then up and down and back and forth through multiple neighborhoods. At least it only cost me 4.7 shekels! I sat right up front, and the handsome driver at least made the trip a little more enjoyable! ;-)
We decided to order pizza to be delivered for lunch rather than take a taxi somewhere out to eat.
At just after 2:00 p.m., the garage called me to tell me the car was ready, so I immediately ordered a taxi and headed right over there. That cost 25 shekels, but it was much, much faster, of course!
At 5:00 p.m. we had an appointment with the lady, Beti Ani, who sells hearing aids. When she noticed David's motor difficulties, she said that he might be better served by a larger device on his chest with much easier volume adjustment. This was really nice of her because she does not actually SELL any of these and so she made no money at all for her time. She gave us 2 phone numbers to call about them, though, and she also said that they are MUCH cheaper. I hereby award her the "Mensch of the Day" award! כל הכבוד!
We then drove over to Ice Park and had frozen yogurt. We also stayed long enough to watch the 6:00 p.m. ice dance show. It was a new show that we hadn't seen, set to music from the musical "Chicago", and it featured the cute Hungarian guy who always does a backflip as part of his routine and the girl from London who always does such amazing acrobatics on the loop hanging high above the ice in addition to her skating.
Then we stopped to fill the car with gas (and to add the additive that they gave me at the garage to clean out the engine), to go to the bathroom, and to buy a couple of cold PepsiMaxes for a drive up the Arava and back.
In the evening, I watched a couple of videos from the Discrete Optimization class. I'm going to continue enjoying the videos even though I can't do the necessary programming to solve the class problems and really solidify the learning.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
I got up nice and early this morning, walked all the way to the gym, worked out some there, and walked back, stopping along the way to do my stretches. I again walked with Fluffy, Mielo, and Torty, my 3 regular cats.
I had 5 classes (= 10 units) of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30, 11:00-12:30, 3:00-4:30, 4:30-6:00, and 6:30-8:00. The first and last, however, were both no-shows. The other 3, whom I actually taught today, were ALL named "Patricia" and are all in France!
We ate lunch today at Chooka. I had vegetarian sushi, and David had Asian noodles with tofu. Before we returned home, we took a short drive up the Arava, as far as Elifaz.
I had 5 classes (= 10 units) of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30, 11:00-12:30, 3:00-4:30, 4:30-6:00, and 6:30-8:00. The first and last, however, were both no-shows. The other 3, whom I actually taught today, were ALL named "Patricia" and are all in France!
We ate lunch today at Chooka. I had vegetarian sushi, and David had Asian noodles with tofu. Before we returned home, we took a short drive up the Arava, as far as Elifaz.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Monday, 1 July 2013
I got up and out of here for a good walk this morning. There was quite a strong breeze, making it feel almost chilly out (but, of course, I wasn't even wearing a shirt!). Fluffy, Mielo, and Torty were all waiting for me today and had to have their respective walks with me.
I had only 4 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30 and 5:00-6:30, but the evening lesson turned out to be a no-show.
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino today. David had his usual, penne with Roquefort sauce, and I tried another meal I had never had before: a hot bagel, very soft cream cheese, avocado "salad" (somewhat like guacamole, but not quite), and egg salad. It was good, but seemed a little imbalanced.
They got us in to see the diabetes doctor, Dr. Baker, today, so that he could get the process moving for David to get the new pump to which he is entitled. The appointment was at 4:00, but they had some technical troubles (it's a video conference -- the doctor is in Tel Aviv), so we didn't get started until 10 or 15 minutes late. Still, we managed to finish and get home in plenty of time for me to make my 5:00 lesson.
In the evening, we went over to Ice Park, had our usual frozen yogurt, and just sat there for a while, enjoying the atmosphere.
I had only 4 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30 and 5:00-6:30, but the evening lesson turned out to be a no-show.
We ate lunch at Il Pentolino today. David had his usual, penne with Roquefort sauce, and I tried another meal I had never had before: a hot bagel, very soft cream cheese, avocado "salad" (somewhat like guacamole, but not quite), and egg salad. It was good, but seemed a little imbalanced.
They got us in to see the diabetes doctor, Dr. Baker, today, so that he could get the process moving for David to get the new pump to which he is entitled. The appointment was at 4:00, but they had some technical troubles (it's a video conference -- the doctor is in Tel Aviv), so we didn't get started until 10 or 15 minutes late. Still, we managed to finish and get home in plenty of time for me to make my 5:00 lesson.
In the evening, we went over to Ice Park, had our usual frozen yogurt, and just sat there for a while, enjoying the atmosphere.
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