I was tired and slept very well last night. I woke up early and got to work discarding and packing.
I brought some things over to the new place before the movers came and did quite a bit of other miscellaneous tasks that needed to be done.
The movers came around 11:00 a.m., and they were fast, friendly, and efficient. There were 3 of them. Uri was the boss (and the guy I had talked to when hiring them). I didn't quite catch the names of the 2 helpers, but one of them was very excited about celebrating Sylvester this evening. It's really big among the folks from the former Soviet Union, and I think his family (probably not actually he himself) was likely from Kazakhastan, since he told me he spoke that language as well as Russian and several others. He didn't speak much English, though. I communicated with all of them in Hebrew fairly well. It turns out that the other helper actually lives (with other people) in the other basement apartment right next to me! What an interesting coincidence!
I ate a late lunch (about 3:00 p.m.) at Greg Cafe at Mercaz Big. I had their delicious sabikh salad and took a bit of time just to catch my breath.
Most of my boxes are now actually stacked in the hall just outside my apartment, but there's still plenty of stuff in here, as well. I got my bed set up with a sheet, my pillow, and my favorite blanket (I have my blankie -- all will be well! LOL). I've gotten a few other things unpacked, as well.
I met my old landlord this evening and gave him the keys to the old place, so I'm really out of there now. I have to meet with him again on Sunday, though, because we'll have to work out how much I'll have to pay him to fix the place up and get it ready to rent again. Unfortunately, there's quite a bit of damage, mostly done by my cats.
Speaking of cats, I think Pascal actually likes the new place pretty well, despite his wailing protestations on the way over (in the cat carrier, of course). He's already explored and found some great high places to feel safe and keep an eye on all the goings-on. I didn't bring him over, though, until all the things were here.
I walked a total of about 9.8 kilometers today even though I really didn't go anywhere -- just lots of trips up and down and back and forth carrying things to and from places.
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Wednesday, 30 December 2015
I slept very well last night and got up early this morning.
After breakfast, I began taking things down that I am getting rid of. Then I walked down to pick up the rental car I had ordered. There was a problem, though. I HAD to have a credit card with a high enough limit for a deposit, and mine didn't work. So it took about an hour and a half extra because I had to walk up to my bank, wait for service there, finally get the limit raised, and then walk back down to get the car. By then, they had already rented the one I reserved, but they gave me a different one at no extra charge. So, instead of an Opel Corsa with a manual transmission, I got a Hyundai i10 with an automatic. It's the new model, however, and actually very nice. I have it until 11:30 Friday morning.
Once I had the car, I drove over to pick up frozen mice I had ordered from the pet store and took them directly to the new apartment, putting them in the freezer there.
Then I drove home, picked up some things to take to the new place and a couple of bags of clothes for WIZO. After delivering those to their respective places, I went and bought more boxes and then drove to Rachel Cafe and had an onion quiche and a small salad for lunch.
When I returned home, I continued packing and hauling things out that I'm discarding. During that time, my current landlord came with a guy who will be fixing up my old apartment when I live. Since my contract says that I must leave the apartment in the state in which I found it, and it's quite a way from that, I'm going to end up having to pay quite a bit more money. But he had already told me that I could pay it over time.
I drove back over to the new place at 5:00 p.m. to meet the new landlord and tell him exactly what to take OUT of the apartment. He was also VERY nice and willing to help, and he seems to speak and understand English pretty well, too. He and his wife immediately set about removing the things I requested, so all is now ready for my things to arrive tomorrow.
Then I returned back home, packed more things, took more things down to discard, and made another trip over to the new place. Now my Macs and my PC are over there (I'm typing this on David's laptop, which is still here in my old place). Some of my food is there, and Goldfinger, my snake, is there in his terrarium. It's even plugged into the electricity so he can go to the warm end if he gets chilly.
I walked a total of about 12.3 kilometers today.
After breakfast, I began taking things down that I am getting rid of. Then I walked down to pick up the rental car I had ordered. There was a problem, though. I HAD to have a credit card with a high enough limit for a deposit, and mine didn't work. So it took about an hour and a half extra because I had to walk up to my bank, wait for service there, finally get the limit raised, and then walk back down to get the car. By then, they had already rented the one I reserved, but they gave me a different one at no extra charge. So, instead of an Opel Corsa with a manual transmission, I got a Hyundai i10 with an automatic. It's the new model, however, and actually very nice. I have it until 11:30 Friday morning.
Once I had the car, I drove over to pick up frozen mice I had ordered from the pet store and took them directly to the new apartment, putting them in the freezer there.
Then I drove home, picked up some things to take to the new place and a couple of bags of clothes for WIZO. After delivering those to their respective places, I went and bought more boxes and then drove to Rachel Cafe and had an onion quiche and a small salad for lunch.
When I returned home, I continued packing and hauling things out that I'm discarding. During that time, my current landlord came with a guy who will be fixing up my old apartment when I live. Since my contract says that I must leave the apartment in the state in which I found it, and it's quite a way from that, I'm going to end up having to pay quite a bit more money. But he had already told me that I could pay it over time.
I drove back over to the new place at 5:00 p.m. to meet the new landlord and tell him exactly what to take OUT of the apartment. He was also VERY nice and willing to help, and he seems to speak and understand English pretty well, too. He and his wife immediately set about removing the things I requested, so all is now ready for my things to arrive tomorrow.
Then I returned back home, packed more things, took more things down to discard, and made another trip over to the new place. Now my Macs and my PC are over there (I'm typing this on David's laptop, which is still here in my old place). Some of my food is there, and Goldfinger, my snake, is there in his terrarium. It's even plugged into the electricity so he can go to the warm end if he gets chilly.
I walked a total of about 12.3 kilometers today.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Tuesday, 29 December 2015
I slept somewhat fitfully last night, perhaps because of the ice-café too close to bedtime, perhaps because of being excited, or perhaps for no particular reason at all. I didn't get up too early and so was fairly rested.
I walked over to WIZO early in order to help them set up for the celebration today. We celebrated all the birthdays from August through January (that includes mine, in November, of course) with food from Il Pentolino and a nice cake from Uga Chaga bakery. A good time was had by all. I fairly successfully avoided remembering for most of the day that this also would have been David's 60th birthday. :-(
After returning back home, I reserved a rental car from tomorrow morning to Friday morning, so that I can quickly and easily move a few important things myself. The movers, though, will be moving most of my things, of course.
I packed more clothes and bedding today and also took quite bit of stuff out to get rid of it. I have more to do, but it should be very doable.
In the evening, I took a short walk down to the local Shufersal to buy more milk since I was on my last carton.
A walked a total of about 10.8 kilometers today.
I walked over to WIZO early in order to help them set up for the celebration today. We celebrated all the birthdays from August through January (that includes mine, in November, of course) with food from Il Pentolino and a nice cake from Uga Chaga bakery. A good time was had by all. I fairly successfully avoided remembering for most of the day that this also would have been David's 60th birthday. :-(
After returning back home, I reserved a rental car from tomorrow morning to Friday morning, so that I can quickly and easily move a few important things myself. The movers, though, will be moving most of my things, of course.
I packed more clothes and bedding today and also took quite bit of stuff out to get rid of it. I have more to do, but it should be very doable.
In the evening, I took a short walk down to the local Shufersal to buy more milk since I was on my last carton.
A walked a total of about 10.8 kilometers today.
Monday, December 28, 2015
Monday, 28 December 2015
I slept well and got up early this morning but didn't go out for a walk because I knew I'd be walking later.
At 10:00 a.m., I attended an online virtual introduction to the new Berlitz materials for levels 5 through 8 that we'll soon start using. They are a definite improvement of the current ones in a number of ways.
After that, I walked over and rented the basement apartment that I looked at yesterday. The landlady, Dorit, is really nice, and speaks quite a bit of English. We negotiated just a bit, and I got the things I really needed. She was very creative in her offers. So, I now have the key, and the movers can move my things there instead of moving them to Bassia & David's new place.
After I paid and got everything finalized, I went down and measured very carefully. Then I came home and spent some time drawing scale diagrams and placing scale cut-outs of various furniture items to see how efficiently I can use the space. I think it's going to be quite good! There will be no extra space at all, but that will just make it feel more cozy and snug. :-)
I had 2 cheese and tomato sandwiches for lunch at home today.
In the early evening, I filled the rest of my plastic bins, mostly with blankets and other bedding, pillows, belts, sweaters, and pants. There are still more clothes to be packed, but I'll easily have enough boxes. I WILL, though, need to buy some more small sturdy office boxes for the contents of my file cabinet and desk.
After that, I walked down and bought more giant plastic bags (mostly for trash and other discards), ate a bit at Shibolim (cheese burekas, olives, tomato, pickle, and a hard-boiled egg, together with an ice-café -- just a small celebration!), and went to pick up the prescription at the local pharmacy that I had ordered last week.
I'm really feeling very pleased and optimistic about the new apartment. I'm pretty sure that I'm going to have to throw away still more stuff after I get there, and unpacking is going to be rather complicated because of the very small space to work in (the whole apartment is only 40 sq. meters (about 431 sq. ft.), according to the ad). But, in the end, I expect to be very comfortable there in my very own space, taking care of myself.
I walked a total of about 8 kilometers today.
At 10:00 a.m., I attended an online virtual introduction to the new Berlitz materials for levels 5 through 8 that we'll soon start using. They are a definite improvement of the current ones in a number of ways.
After that, I walked over and rented the basement apartment that I looked at yesterday. The landlady, Dorit, is really nice, and speaks quite a bit of English. We negotiated just a bit, and I got the things I really needed. She was very creative in her offers. So, I now have the key, and the movers can move my things there instead of moving them to Bassia & David's new place.
After I paid and got everything finalized, I went down and measured very carefully. Then I came home and spent some time drawing scale diagrams and placing scale cut-outs of various furniture items to see how efficiently I can use the space. I think it's going to be quite good! There will be no extra space at all, but that will just make it feel more cozy and snug. :-)
I had 2 cheese and tomato sandwiches for lunch at home today.
In the early evening, I filled the rest of my plastic bins, mostly with blankets and other bedding, pillows, belts, sweaters, and pants. There are still more clothes to be packed, but I'll easily have enough boxes. I WILL, though, need to buy some more small sturdy office boxes for the contents of my file cabinet and desk.
After that, I walked down and bought more giant plastic bags (mostly for trash and other discards), ate a bit at Shibolim (cheese burekas, olives, tomato, pickle, and a hard-boiled egg, together with an ice-café -- just a small celebration!), and went to pick up the prescription at the local pharmacy that I had ordered last week.
I'm really feeling very pleased and optimistic about the new apartment. I'm pretty sure that I'm going to have to throw away still more stuff after I get there, and unpacking is going to be rather complicated because of the very small space to work in (the whole apartment is only 40 sq. meters (about 431 sq. ft.), according to the ad). But, in the end, I expect to be very comfortable there in my very own space, taking care of myself.
I walked a total of about 8 kilometers today.
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Sunday, 27 December 2015
I got slept well last night and got up early but didn't go out for a walk because I knew I'd be doing plenty of walking later.
I ate breakfast a little early and set out at about quarter to eight on my walk across town to Pelephone (again!). I made good time and got there well before they opened at 9:00. I was able to talk to Mali, the woman who had helped me when I bought the iPhone for Me'ir (and also on a couple of visits there before that about other things), but she couldn't solve the problem, other than apologize. Apparently, Me'ir had told her that the other things (a Smart TV, a stereo, and another smart phone) were for me (of course) and that he would bring them to me, and she had believed him. She said she'd talk to her manager about it and call me this evening, but she hasn't done that (and I don't expect her to, either). She also told me that I need to make a police report, and that, if I come back to Pelephone with something from the police, they MAY be able to do something. I rather doubt it, but I guess it's worth a try. It will consume a whole day just at the police station, of course. I probably won't have time to do it this week.
Bassia had called me last night and said she and David (her husband) wanted to meet me at a café to talk about some complications, so I met them there after I had finished at Pelephone. "Complications" is a HUGE understatement. First, the heat has not been working in the new apartment and they have had cockroaches in their room. They've also realized that the place isn't that large, and so, basically, they have decided that there won't be room for me. Unfortunately, I tend to agree with them, and I certainly wouldn't be comfortable living with people who really don't want me around. However, I'm scheduled to move in just 4 days, so this has put me into a slight panic, being such a sudden change of plans.
So, I walked home and spent the afternoon looking at apartment ads. Most of the ones I can afford are, of course, tiny, and ALL of them are furnished! I managed to walk over (about 25 minutes one way) and look at one, though, and I think it just might work for me. It's in a basement of a house (with no windows whatsoever), but it has a somewhat separate bedroom, it's clean, the landlady seemed VERY nice (she lives in the house upstairs), it's in a good and quiet neighborhood (on Argaman Road, just above the last roundabout before the top end, for those of you who know Eilat), and I think I could live there. I may try to look at a couple of others, but I'm leaning quite a bit towards this one. I think I could still get out of here by Thursday if I hustle. I'll sleep on it, but, the more I think about it, the more I think I'll take this one.
I walked a total of about sixteen and a half kilometers today, which I think is a new daily record for me.
I ate breakfast a little early and set out at about quarter to eight on my walk across town to Pelephone (again!). I made good time and got there well before they opened at 9:00. I was able to talk to Mali, the woman who had helped me when I bought the iPhone for Me'ir (and also on a couple of visits there before that about other things), but she couldn't solve the problem, other than apologize. Apparently, Me'ir had told her that the other things (a Smart TV, a stereo, and another smart phone) were for me (of course) and that he would bring them to me, and she had believed him. She said she'd talk to her manager about it and call me this evening, but she hasn't done that (and I don't expect her to, either). She also told me that I need to make a police report, and that, if I come back to Pelephone with something from the police, they MAY be able to do something. I rather doubt it, but I guess it's worth a try. It will consume a whole day just at the police station, of course. I probably won't have time to do it this week.
Bassia had called me last night and said she and David (her husband) wanted to meet me at a café to talk about some complications, so I met them there after I had finished at Pelephone. "Complications" is a HUGE understatement. First, the heat has not been working in the new apartment and they have had cockroaches in their room. They've also realized that the place isn't that large, and so, basically, they have decided that there won't be room for me. Unfortunately, I tend to agree with them, and I certainly wouldn't be comfortable living with people who really don't want me around. However, I'm scheduled to move in just 4 days, so this has put me into a slight panic, being such a sudden change of plans.
So, I walked home and spent the afternoon looking at apartment ads. Most of the ones I can afford are, of course, tiny, and ALL of them are furnished! I managed to walk over (about 25 minutes one way) and look at one, though, and I think it just might work for me. It's in a basement of a house (with no windows whatsoever), but it has a somewhat separate bedroom, it's clean, the landlady seemed VERY nice (she lives in the house upstairs), it's in a good and quiet neighborhood (on Argaman Road, just above the last roundabout before the top end, for those of you who know Eilat), and I think I could live there. I may try to look at a couple of others, but I'm leaning quite a bit towards this one. I think I could still get out of here by Thursday if I hustle. I'll sleep on it, but, the more I think about it, the more I think I'll take this one.
I walked a total of about sixteen and a half kilometers today, which I think is a new daily record for me.
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Shabbat, 26 December 2015
I slept fairly well last night and woke up reasonably early but didn't go out for a walk until later.
After breakfast, I watched the BCC service from last night and really enjoyed it, especially the L'cha Dodi and Rabbi Lisa's drasha (sermon). The familiar story of Joseph in the book of Genesis has a special resonance for me this year.
Before lunch, I took a long walk past the hospital and over to a neighborhood known as Izidor and then back home again.
I worked more on packing today, of course. Now, almost everyone in the kitchen is packed except the last-minute things, and the bathroom is also almost all packed except for last-minute items.
In the early evening I enjoyed a nice chat with Joyce, David's sister in Ohio, over Skype.
I walked a total of about 7 kilometers today.
After breakfast, I watched the BCC service from last night and really enjoyed it, especially the L'cha Dodi and Rabbi Lisa's drasha (sermon). The familiar story of Joseph in the book of Genesis has a special resonance for me this year.
Before lunch, I took a long walk past the hospital and over to a neighborhood known as Izidor and then back home again.
I worked more on packing today, of course. Now, almost everyone in the kitchen is packed except the last-minute things, and the bathroom is also almost all packed except for last-minute items.
In the early evening I enjoyed a nice chat with Joyce, David's sister in Ohio, over Skype.
I walked a total of about 7 kilometers today.
Friday, December 25, 2015
Friday, 25 December 2015
I slept well last night, got up early, and went out for a full early-morning walk. Then later, still before breakfast, I walked down to recycle some cardboard and buy challah at the local bakery.
After breakfast, I walked over to the new apartment. Bassia & David moved in yesterday, but they weren't home when I got there this morning. Still, I got to see what they brought, giving me some idea of how my things may (or may not) fit in. In any case, it was a lovely walk, with a warm sun but a fairly stiff, chilly breeze. I wore only shoes and socks, jeans, and a short-sleeve t-shirt.
I had a quick lunch at home and then continued with packing the kitchen things. I also cleaned up the large plastic bins that have been stacked on the balcony, empty, since we moved here. I'll use as many of them as I can to pack lighter things, mostly clothes. I already filled one of the biggest ones with things from the kitchen, including my food processor and the contents of the drawers (from which I'm also throwing away a lot of things).
As the last rays of the sun were about to fade from our desert valley, I lit candles, drank a little sweet red wine, and ate a bite of challah to welcome the last Shabbat in my current apartment.
I walked a total of nearly 11 kilometers today.
As I woke up this morning, I was thinking of two songs about the love of God. Neither is of Jewish origin, but they're quite universal, at least with some slight adaptations. Here they are, with some additional changes to support more gender neutrality:
Wide, wide as the ocean,
High as the heavens above,
Deep, deep as the deepest sea
Is our God's great love.
We, often unworthy,
Still are the folk of God's care.
For our God teaches us
That God's love reaches us
Everywhere.
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the sky of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love
Of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could scroll
Contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
Shabbat Shalom to everyone!
After breakfast, I walked over to the new apartment. Bassia & David moved in yesterday, but they weren't home when I got there this morning. Still, I got to see what they brought, giving me some idea of how my things may (or may not) fit in. In any case, it was a lovely walk, with a warm sun but a fairly stiff, chilly breeze. I wore only shoes and socks, jeans, and a short-sleeve t-shirt.
I had a quick lunch at home and then continued with packing the kitchen things. I also cleaned up the large plastic bins that have been stacked on the balcony, empty, since we moved here. I'll use as many of them as I can to pack lighter things, mostly clothes. I already filled one of the biggest ones with things from the kitchen, including my food processor and the contents of the drawers (from which I'm also throwing away a lot of things).
As the last rays of the sun were about to fade from our desert valley, I lit candles, drank a little sweet red wine, and ate a bite of challah to welcome the last Shabbat in my current apartment.
I walked a total of nearly 11 kilometers today.
As I woke up this morning, I was thinking of two songs about the love of God. Neither is of Jewish origin, but they're quite universal, at least with some slight adaptations. Here they are, with some additional changes to support more gender neutrality:
Wide, wide as the ocean,
High as the heavens above,
Deep, deep as the deepest sea
Is our God's great love.
We, often unworthy,
Still are the folk of God's care.
For our God teaches us
That God's love reaches us
Everywhere.
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the sky of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love
Of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could scroll
Contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
Shabbat Shalom to everyone!
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Thursday, 24 December 2015
I slept very well last night and woke up feeling good this morning.
After breakfast, I set out walking to the Pelephone store, which is way on the other side of town. It took me over an hour to get there. The reason I went is that I noticed that my bill was nearly TWICE what I thought it should be, and I wanted to find out why. It's still not completely clear because the woman who dealt with me wasn't there today -- she'll be in on Sunday, and they promised to call me. I did find out that, somehow, when I bought an iPhone for Me'ir (which I shouldn't have done in the first place, of course) he managed to get a couple of other devices (a smart TV and a Huawei smartphone) for which I apparently I'm still paying. I know that I had to leave on that day to get back home for a lesson, so all I can figure is that he somehow got them added into something I had already signed for before I left. Hopefully, I'll get more details on Sunday and try to get whatever I can straightened out. In any case, I had a lovely walk over and back.
I had two vegan "breast" and tomato sandwiches for lunch at home today.
I spent most of the afternoon and evening working on the kitchen. I now have most of the things packed from there.
In the evening, I walked down to the local ShuferSal to do a little grocery shopping.
I walked a total of almost twelve and a half kilometers today.
After breakfast, I set out walking to the Pelephone store, which is way on the other side of town. It took me over an hour to get there. The reason I went is that I noticed that my bill was nearly TWICE what I thought it should be, and I wanted to find out why. It's still not completely clear because the woman who dealt with me wasn't there today -- she'll be in on Sunday, and they promised to call me. I did find out that, somehow, when I bought an iPhone for Me'ir (which I shouldn't have done in the first place, of course) he managed to get a couple of other devices (a smart TV and a Huawei smartphone) for which I apparently I'm still paying. I know that I had to leave on that day to get back home for a lesson, so all I can figure is that he somehow got them added into something I had already signed for before I left. Hopefully, I'll get more details on Sunday and try to get whatever I can straightened out. In any case, I had a lovely walk over and back.
I had two vegan "breast" and tomato sandwiches for lunch at home today.
I spent most of the afternoon and evening working on the kitchen. I now have most of the things packed from there.
In the evening, I walked down to the local ShuferSal to do a little grocery shopping.
I walked a total of almost twelve and a half kilometers today.
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Wednesday, 23 December 2015
I didn't sleep very well last night and got up a bit late. I also have a low-level cold (a little stuffiness, a scratchy throat, and, now, a cough).
I had only a single 1-unit Berlitz lesson today: 10:30-11:15.
I spent most of the rest of the day working on sorting and packing. Now, ALL the cabinets in my office are empty, and I've gone through nearly all the kitchen, getting rid of a LOT of stuff, including quite a bit of outdated food. I also packed up 3 boxes, but mostly I was sorting things out today.
I did take a short walk, to the end of Harim Road and back, just after the sun went behind the mountains. At the little play area, I met a feline friend I hadn't seen in a while, a beautiful and friendly black cat. I took some time to pet him, and he even sat for a while on my lap while I sat on the bench there. Then he followed me for about a block as I started back home.
I forgot to mention yesterday that the mover came. So, now the move date and price are fixed. I'll be moving on the very last day of the year, 31 December, a week from tomorrow.
I walked a total of four and a quarter kilometers today.
I had only a single 1-unit Berlitz lesson today: 10:30-11:15.
I spent most of the rest of the day working on sorting and packing. Now, ALL the cabinets in my office are empty, and I've gone through nearly all the kitchen, getting rid of a LOT of stuff, including quite a bit of outdated food. I also packed up 3 boxes, but mostly I was sorting things out today.
I did take a short walk, to the end of Harim Road and back, just after the sun went behind the mountains. At the little play area, I met a feline friend I hadn't seen in a while, a beautiful and friendly black cat. I took some time to pet him, and he even sat for a while on my lap while I sat on the bench there. Then he followed me for about a block as I started back home.
I forgot to mention yesterday that the mover came. So, now the move date and price are fixed. I'll be moving on the very last day of the year, 31 December, a week from tomorrow.
I walked a total of four and a quarter kilometers today.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Tuesday, 22 December 2015
I got up reasonably early this morning but didn't go out for a walk because I knew I'd be walking to WIZO later, which I did do, after breakfast of course.
After WIZO, I visited the new apartment briefly (walking up and down the stairs, even though the apartment is on the 7th floor, which would be considered the 8th in the U.S.) and then headed on back home.
I had vegan weenies wrapped in whole-wheat tortillas and a tomato for lunch at home today.
I spent essentially the whole afternoon working on the kitchen. I was mostly focused on getting rid of things. Some I threw away (such as outdated food), but many nice things I took down and put near the trash area so people could see them and take them. Some people did, right away, in fact, but when I was almost done bringing them down (I could only take one small box at a time), a guy who works for the city and lives in the other wing of my building came and told me I could not leave them there, and, that if I did, I could be fined. His reasoning was logical, though, because many of them were breakable, and if kids came along and broke them it would create a hazardous mess. Finally, he let me bring a bigger box, put the things that were left in it, and put it nearer to the trash bin. Then, a guy from the ambulance/fire department saw them and said he would come later and take them to the station, and then they'd be given to families who need them. That made me very happy! Quite a few of the things were beautiful and/or useful, just not to me anymore.
In the evening, Leah (the woman who bought my car) sent her ex-husband (who also still lives on the kibbutz) with her car (my ex-car!) to pick up 3 more blankets that I had found. They will also go for the volunteers at Kibbutz Lotan.
The last thing I did before sitting down at my computer this evening was to walk over to the new local post office to pick up a book Berlitz had told me they were sending (English for the Pharmaceutical Industry) that I will be using to teach at least one of my students.
I walked a total of 11.64 kilometers today.
After WIZO, I visited the new apartment briefly (walking up and down the stairs, even though the apartment is on the 7th floor, which would be considered the 8th in the U.S.) and then headed on back home.
I had vegan weenies wrapped in whole-wheat tortillas and a tomato for lunch at home today.
I spent essentially the whole afternoon working on the kitchen. I was mostly focused on getting rid of things. Some I threw away (such as outdated food), but many nice things I took down and put near the trash area so people could see them and take them. Some people did, right away, in fact, but when I was almost done bringing them down (I could only take one small box at a time), a guy who works for the city and lives in the other wing of my building came and told me I could not leave them there, and, that if I did, I could be fined. His reasoning was logical, though, because many of them were breakable, and if kids came along and broke them it would create a hazardous mess. Finally, he let me bring a bigger box, put the things that were left in it, and put it nearer to the trash bin. Then, a guy from the ambulance/fire department saw them and said he would come later and take them to the station, and then they'd be given to families who need them. That made me very happy! Quite a few of the things were beautiful and/or useful, just not to me anymore.
In the evening, Leah (the woman who bought my car) sent her ex-husband (who also still lives on the kibbutz) with her car (my ex-car!) to pick up 3 more blankets that I had found. They will also go for the volunteers at Kibbutz Lotan.
The last thing I did before sitting down at my computer this evening was to walk over to the new local post office to pick up a book Berlitz had told me they were sending (English for the Pharmaceutical Industry) that I will be using to teach at least one of my students.
I walked a total of 11.64 kilometers today.
Monday, December 21, 2015
Monday, 21 December 2015
I got up early after a good night's sleep but didn't go out for a morning walk.
I worked hard on packing today and now have essentially ALL of the books I'm keeping packed in numbered boxes stacked in the living room (Pascal thinks they make a GREAT place to perch on!).
I ate 2 tomato and cheese sandwiches for lunch at home today.
After lunch, I went out for a walk for about 45 or 50 minutes. It was a bit hot in the sun but cool and pleasant in the shade.
I taught 6 units of Berlitz lessons today: 3:15-4:45, 5:00-6:30, and 7:00-8:30.
I walked a total of just over 5 kilometers today.
I worked hard on packing today and now have essentially ALL of the books I'm keeping packed in numbered boxes stacked in the living room (Pascal thinks they make a GREAT place to perch on!).
I ate 2 tomato and cheese sandwiches for lunch at home today.
After lunch, I went out for a walk for about 45 or 50 minutes. It was a bit hot in the sun but cool and pleasant in the shade.
I taught 6 units of Berlitz lessons today: 3:15-4:45, 5:00-6:30, and 7:00-8:30.
I walked a total of just over 5 kilometers today.
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Sunday, 20 December 2015
I got up early this morning but didn't go out for a walk.
In the mid-morning, I walked over to an appointment with my doctor. He verified that, indeed, I do have a hemorrhoid. I had thought I would need to walk down to MaccabiPharm to get a prescription filled, but he told me I should go to the local SuperPharm, which I did. They were out, though, so I had to order it, and it may take a week. It's only a numbing agent, though (Lidocaine), and I'm not really having much pain, so it doesn't worry me much. The doctor did say that I should use cold water or even ice, NOT hot water to treat it.
I had soya shnitzels, a tomato, half a yellow bell pepper, and carob spread on bread for lunch at home today.
I walked down to the local ShuferSal to do the weekly grocery shopping today. Since I'm only about a week away from moving, I had to be careful not to buy too much.
I spent most of the rest of the day packing. Now, all 3 tall cabinets in my office are empty, and 3 of the 4 bookcases are also empty. So I have 26 boxes packed and numbered. I'm writing a number on each box as it is finished and recording briefly in a note on my iPhone what's in it.
I walked a total of 6.44 kilometers today.
In the mid-morning, I walked over to an appointment with my doctor. He verified that, indeed, I do have a hemorrhoid. I had thought I would need to walk down to MaccabiPharm to get a prescription filled, but he told me I should go to the local SuperPharm, which I did. They were out, though, so I had to order it, and it may take a week. It's only a numbing agent, though (Lidocaine), and I'm not really having much pain, so it doesn't worry me much. The doctor did say that I should use cold water or even ice, NOT hot water to treat it.
I had soya shnitzels, a tomato, half a yellow bell pepper, and carob spread on bread for lunch at home today.
I walked down to the local ShuferSal to do the weekly grocery shopping today. Since I'm only about a week away from moving, I had to be careful not to buy too much.
I spent most of the rest of the day packing. Now, all 3 tall cabinets in my office are empty, and 3 of the 4 bookcases are also empty. So I have 26 boxes packed and numbered. I'm writing a number on each box as it is finished and recording briefly in a note on my iPhone what's in it.
I walked a total of 6.44 kilometers today.
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Shabbat, 19 December 2015
I got up fairly early this morning but didn't immediately go out for a walk. Instead, I began by watching last night's BCC (Beth Chayim Chadashim) services.
After that, I got a fairly leisurely start to my day, including my morning sitz bath (which I followed this time by a regular shower, as well). Then I walked over again to Moshe's place to feed his cats (and pet them a bit, too). He has a beautiful peaches-and-cream male cat, a calico who is mostly white, and another female who is completely white. They all have nice personalities, too.
I ate 2 cheese and tomato sandwiches for lunch at home today.
I spent much of the rest of the day sorting and packing things. Now, one large cabinet in my office is empty, the smaller tall one is also empty, and the other large one is almost empty, so I'm making good progress. A significant part of what I packed today is family pictures and other treasures, some quite old. Mostly, they were already in boxes, and I didn't sort that much more. I did throw away a few things and do a bit of consolidation, though.
While I was working, I also had my Macs working, too, copying some files from the older one to the newer one. I've been using the older one as my main computer, but I'm planning to switch to the newer one (which was originally David's) when I move. In fact, I've already mostly switched to it. The difference will be that, in the new place, it will trade places with the old one and be in the middle, right in front of me. My PC, which I use only for teaching, will remain on my left.
I walked only 3.83 kilometers today.
After that, I got a fairly leisurely start to my day, including my morning sitz bath (which I followed this time by a regular shower, as well). Then I walked over again to Moshe's place to feed his cats (and pet them a bit, too). He has a beautiful peaches-and-cream male cat, a calico who is mostly white, and another female who is completely white. They all have nice personalities, too.
I ate 2 cheese and tomato sandwiches for lunch at home today.
I spent much of the rest of the day sorting and packing things. Now, one large cabinet in my office is empty, the smaller tall one is also empty, and the other large one is almost empty, so I'm making good progress. A significant part of what I packed today is family pictures and other treasures, some quite old. Mostly, they were already in boxes, and I didn't sort that much more. I did throw away a few things and do a bit of consolidation, though.
While I was working, I also had my Macs working, too, copying some files from the older one to the newer one. I've been using the older one as my main computer, but I'm planning to switch to the newer one (which was originally David's) when I move. In fact, I've already mostly switched to it. The difference will be that, in the new place, it will trade places with the old one and be in the middle, right in front of me. My PC, which I use only for teaching, will remain on my left.
I walked only 3.83 kilometers today.
Friday, December 18, 2015
Friday, 18 December 2015
I slept wonderfully last night and woke up feeling really good. Before breakfast, I walked over and fed and checked on Moshe's cats.
I taught only 1 units of Berlitz today: 9:00-9:45.
Just after noon, I caught the local Regional Council bus just across from the hospital, paid 18 shekels, and rode it all the way up to Kibbutz Lotan. When I got there, Leah, the woman who bought my car, met me at the bus stop and then had her son take me to her apartment, where I waited for about an hour until she finished working at the kibbutz store. Then she joined me and took me on a tour of the kibbutz, and, after that, we drank tea and chatted the rest of the afternoon. At 6:00, we went over to the kibbutz Kabbalat Shabbat service (Lotan is a Reform kibbutz, one of only 2 in the entire country) in the communal room, followed by Shabbat dinner in the dining hall, followed by tea and cake and chatting. I met several other people there, including Leah's ex-husband, her second son, and her daughter (her oldest son is serving in an elite unit in the army and wasn't home).
Afterwards, Leah brought me home (in my former car). On the trip, we chatted some more, and, when we got her, I gave her some extra blankets I wanted to get rid of but didn't want to throw away. She had told me that they are always needing more blankets for volunteers on the kibbutz. It was really a very lovely day, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Altogether, I walked a total of almost eleven and a half kilometers today.
I taught only 1 units of Berlitz today: 9:00-9:45.
Just after noon, I caught the local Regional Council bus just across from the hospital, paid 18 shekels, and rode it all the way up to Kibbutz Lotan. When I got there, Leah, the woman who bought my car, met me at the bus stop and then had her son take me to her apartment, where I waited for about an hour until she finished working at the kibbutz store. Then she joined me and took me on a tour of the kibbutz, and, after that, we drank tea and chatted the rest of the afternoon. At 6:00, we went over to the kibbutz Kabbalat Shabbat service (Lotan is a Reform kibbutz, one of only 2 in the entire country) in the communal room, followed by Shabbat dinner in the dining hall, followed by tea and cake and chatting. I met several other people there, including Leah's ex-husband, her second son, and her daughter (her oldest son is serving in an elite unit in the army and wasn't home).
Afterwards, Leah brought me home (in my former car). On the trip, we chatted some more, and, when we got her, I gave her some extra blankets I wanted to get rid of but didn't want to throw away. She had told me that they are always needing more blankets for volunteers on the kibbutz. It was really a very lovely day, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Altogether, I walked a total of almost eleven and a half kilometers today.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Thursday, 17 December 2015
I went to sleep fairly quickly last night, but I woke up not too long later and had trouble getting back to sleep for the rest of the night. The causes seem to be diverse and not very clear. Anyway, although I got up late, I did NOT feel sleepy during the rest of the day.
I taught 6 units of Berlitz lessons today: 10:30-12:00, 12:00-1:30, and 6:30-8:00.
At about 1:40, I set out for Bassia & David's to pick up a key they had had made for me. The key I had had made didn't work. To make a long story short, their key didn't, either, but the key-maker fixed mine so that it now DOES work. Luckily, the key-maker's shop is not far from their current apartment. The new apartment, however, is quite a long walk away and uphill almost all the way. So, we'll get the problem with the non-working key solved later. At least I know have a working key that I have verified directly, because I did walk up their to the new apartment before returning back home. Along the way, I stopped and had a late lunch of falafel at a stand.
I arrived back home at about 5:00 p.m., leaving me plenty of time for my second sitz bath of the day before my last lesson.
I walked a total of 11.15 kilometers today.
I taught 6 units of Berlitz lessons today: 10:30-12:00, 12:00-1:30, and 6:30-8:00.
At about 1:40, I set out for Bassia & David's to pick up a key they had had made for me. The key I had had made didn't work. To make a long story short, their key didn't, either, but the key-maker fixed mine so that it now DOES work. Luckily, the key-maker's shop is not far from their current apartment. The new apartment, however, is quite a long walk away and uphill almost all the way. So, we'll get the problem with the non-working key solved later. At least I know have a working key that I have verified directly, because I did walk up their to the new apartment before returning back home. Along the way, I stopped and had a late lunch of falafel at a stand.
I arrived back home at about 5:00 p.m., leaving me plenty of time for my second sitz bath of the day before my last lesson.
I walked a total of 11.15 kilometers today.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Wednesday, 16 December 2015
I got up fairly early this morning but didn't go out for a walk, since I was planning to take a longer one later.
I taught a total of 5 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-9:45, 10:30-12:00, and 6:30-8:00. The second lesson is one that will be observed to give me feedback. One of the Berlitz managers will listen to the recording of the lesson to do this. I feel that I did a particularly good job on this one, so I'm happy about that.
I had 2 vegan "breast" and tomato sandwiches and some lettuce for lunch at home today.
In the afternoon, I packed some things and began numbering boxes. Then, for each number, I am creating a note in my iPhone describing what is in that box.
In the late afternoon and early evening, I walked down to the "old" mall (Mall HaYam, right next to the Gulf), walked around a bit on all 3 levels, and then walked back home. The return trip was almost entirely uphill, but I didn't find it too difficult. I did stop and rest a couple of times because I wasn't in a hurry.
Yesterday, a hemorrhoid began causing me some pain, so I read up about them and decided to take two sitz baths today. It definitely helped, and, besides, it quite pleasant to sit in warm water and relax.
I walked a total of 8.91 kilometers today.
I taught a total of 5 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-9:45, 10:30-12:00, and 6:30-8:00. The second lesson is one that will be observed to give me feedback. One of the Berlitz managers will listen to the recording of the lesson to do this. I feel that I did a particularly good job on this one, so I'm happy about that.
I had 2 vegan "breast" and tomato sandwiches and some lettuce for lunch at home today.
In the afternoon, I packed some things and began numbering boxes. Then, for each number, I am creating a note in my iPhone describing what is in that box.
In the late afternoon and early evening, I walked down to the "old" mall (Mall HaYam, right next to the Gulf), walked around a bit on all 3 levels, and then walked back home. The return trip was almost entirely uphill, but I didn't find it too difficult. I did stop and rest a couple of times because I wasn't in a hurry.
Yesterday, a hemorrhoid began causing me some pain, so I read up about them and decided to take two sitz baths today. It definitely helped, and, besides, it quite pleasant to sit in warm water and relax.
I walked a total of 8.91 kilometers today.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Tuesday, 15 December 2015
I woke up early this morning but decided not to go out for a walk because I knew I'd be doing quite a bit of walking later.
I left a little early and walked to visit the new apartment again before the WIZO meeting. Then, after enjoying a lot of night conversation at the meeting, Bassia & David and I walked up to the apartment again to look at it together. After that, I walked home.
I ate a thin vegan breaded shnitzel, a salad (lettuce, tomato, and yellow bell pepper), and half a white chocolate candy bar for lunch at home today.
I taught only 4 units of Berlitz today: 5:00-6:30 and 7:00-8:30.
I walked a total of 9.67 kilometers today.
I left a little early and walked to visit the new apartment again before the WIZO meeting. Then, after enjoying a lot of night conversation at the meeting, Bassia & David and I walked up to the apartment again to look at it together. After that, I walked home.
I ate a thin vegan breaded shnitzel, a salad (lettuce, tomato, and yellow bell pepper), and half a white chocolate candy bar for lunch at home today.
I taught only 4 units of Berlitz today: 5:00-6:30 and 7:00-8:30.
I walked a total of 9.67 kilometers today.
Monday, December 14, 2015
Monday, 14 December 2015
I was awake for a while in the night last night and got up quite late this morning. But I felt very rested and refreshed.
I taught only 5 units of Berlitz lessons today: 10:00-10:45, 3:00-4:30, and 5:00-6:30.
After my first lesson, I walked to the bank, waited an hour, withdrew some money, walked over to Bassia & David's current place (they'll be my new housemates in a couple of weeks), walked up to the new apartment (that we'll be sharing), measured my room, and walked home in time for my second lesson.
In the evening, I paid my landlord the back rent that I owed him, and I also paid the va'ad fees (for maintenance of the common areas in the building) for the last 6 months. I'm very happy that I've been able to pay these unauthorized debts which I SHOULD have been paying on time. For me, this is an important part of getting back on track and moving forward in my life.
In the evening, I also made a scale map of my room in the new apartment and scale cut-outs of my bed, my desk, and my cabinets, so that I can see how they can all fit in the new place.
I walked a total of 9.76 kilometers today.
I taught only 5 units of Berlitz lessons today: 10:00-10:45, 3:00-4:30, and 5:00-6:30.
After my first lesson, I walked to the bank, waited an hour, withdrew some money, walked over to Bassia & David's current place (they'll be my new housemates in a couple of weeks), walked up to the new apartment (that we'll be sharing), measured my room, and walked home in time for my second lesson.
In the evening, I paid my landlord the back rent that I owed him, and I also paid the va'ad fees (for maintenance of the common areas in the building) for the last 6 months. I'm very happy that I've been able to pay these unauthorized debts which I SHOULD have been paying on time. For me, this is an important part of getting back on track and moving forward in my life.
In the evening, I also made a scale map of my room in the new apartment and scale cut-outs of my bed, my desk, and my cabinets, so that I can see how they can all fit in the new place.
I walked a total of 9.76 kilometers today.
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Sunday, 13 December 2015
I slept well, woke up early, and started out for a nice morning walk. But, as I was walking down D'vorah HaNviah Street I began to feel a few very small drops on my sensitive rain sensor (aka my bald head). Luckily, I was only about a block from home, so I decided I'd better get back in case it started raining seriously. Actually, I don't think it really did, at least not until MUCH later in the day, but I didn't want to get soaked by rain and be far from home. The threat of rain, however, kept me from getting in any walk at all today (I'm The Wicked Witch of the West, you know!), which makes me just slightly cross.
I did walk down in the morning to the local Shufersal to do my weekly grocery shopping, however.
I had 2 cheese and tomato sandwiches for lunch at home today.
I made some progress today on throwing stuff away. It's quite difficult, because I hate to just dump stuff that's perfectly good. But there are some things that I know that I will never use, especially most of David's craft things.
Despite no real walk other than the aborted one in the early morning and the short one to Shufersal, I managed to walk 4.35 kilometers today.
I did walk down in the morning to the local Shufersal to do my weekly grocery shopping, however.
I had 2 cheese and tomato sandwiches for lunch at home today.
I made some progress today on throwing stuff away. It's quite difficult, because I hate to just dump stuff that's perfectly good. But there are some things that I know that I will never use, especially most of David's craft things.
Despite no real walk other than the aborted one in the early morning and the short one to Shufersal, I managed to walk 4.35 kilometers today.
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Shabbat, 12 December 2015
I actually hadn't planned on going for an early-morning walk today, but after having slept well, woken up slowly, and gotten up a bit late, I decided that I wanted to go out anyway. And it was great!
I followed my new Shabbat tradition this morning of watching BCC's Friday night service from the night before. I was particularly blessed by Tamara Kline's insightful drash. It's also meaningful for me to say Kaddish for David when they say it.
Today, I loaded a giant trash bag twice with clothes in bad repair, underwear, old sheets, and old blankets and took them to a clothing and textile recycling receptacle about 4 short blocks from here.
I ate vegan shnitzel, corn on the cob, and a tomato for lunch at home today.
After lunch I walked way down next to one of the lots near the port where they park new cars before they're trucked north. Then I walked back up via Nakhal Garof, which is just southwest of town. It was a great walk, with most of the walk back up in the shade because of the high southwestern wall of the canyon.
In the early evening, I enjoyed talking with Joyce, David's sister in Columbus, Ohio.
I walked a total of nearly ten and a half kilometers today.
I followed my new Shabbat tradition this morning of watching BCC's Friday night service from the night before. I was particularly blessed by Tamara Kline's insightful drash. It's also meaningful for me to say Kaddish for David when they say it.
Today, I loaded a giant trash bag twice with clothes in bad repair, underwear, old sheets, and old blankets and took them to a clothing and textile recycling receptacle about 4 short blocks from here.
I ate vegan shnitzel, corn on the cob, and a tomato for lunch at home today.
After lunch I walked way down next to one of the lots near the port where they park new cars before they're trucked north. Then I walked back up via Nakhal Garof, which is just southwest of town. It was a great walk, with most of the walk back up in the shade because of the high southwestern wall of the canyon.
In the early evening, I enjoyed talking with Joyce, David's sister in Columbus, Ohio.
I walked a total of nearly ten and a half kilometers today.
Friday, December 11, 2015
Friday, 11 December 2015
I slept a little late this morning and didn't go out for an early walk other than to buy challah.
I taught only 3 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-9:45 and 11:00-12:30.
I ate lunch at home today.
After lunch, I went for a walk up highway 12, then on a trail that goes over to Nakhal Shakhamon, and then back home through the nakhal. It was a beautiful walk!
Just before the sun disappeared from our lovely valley, I lit candles, drank a bit of sweet red wine, and ate a little challah to welcome Shabbat.
I walked a total of 6.42 kilometers today.
In honor of Khanuka:
I taught only 3 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-9:45 and 11:00-12:30.
I ate lunch at home today.
After lunch, I went for a walk up highway 12, then on a trail that goes over to Nakhal Shakhamon, and then back home through the nakhal. It was a beautiful walk!
Just before the sun disappeared from our lovely valley, I lit candles, drank a bit of sweet red wine, and ate a little challah to welcome Shabbat.
I walked a total of 6.42 kilometers today.
In honor of Khanuka:
מודים אנחנו לך על הנסים ועל הפרקן ועל הגבורות ועל התשועות ועל הנפלאות ועל הנחמות שעשית לאבותינו ולאימותינו בימים ההם בזמן הזה
We give thanks to You for the miracles and for the relief and for the heroism and for the salvation and for the wonders and for the comfort that You did for our ancestors in those days at this time.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Thursday, 10 December 2015
I got up quite early this morning but decided NOT to go out for an early walk.
After breakfast, I walked over to the new local post office, which is located in a small market. I found out, though, that I was a half-hour early, so I walked up the street a block and sat on a nice bench in the warm sunshine until they opened. Then I picked up my registered mail and walked a bit more.
I was scheduled to teach two 2-unit lessons today, but the first was a late cancellation, about which I was informed a little before its start time: 12:00-1:30 and 6:30-8:00.
I got a little more sorting of things done today, and threw some away. I'm trying to focus on getting ready to move now, but it's proving to be a bit difficult to organize and motivate. Luckily, I'm not on a tight timeline, at least not yet.
I went for another walk before the sun disappeared, going all the way to the end of Harim Road and sitting there and enjoying the sunshine a bit before returning home.
I walked a total of 6.42 kilometers today.
After breakfast, I walked over to the new local post office, which is located in a small market. I found out, though, that I was a half-hour early, so I walked up the street a block and sat on a nice bench in the warm sunshine until they opened. Then I picked up my registered mail and walked a bit more.
I was scheduled to teach two 2-unit lessons today, but the first was a late cancellation, about which I was informed a little before its start time: 12:00-1:30 and 6:30-8:00.
I got a little more sorting of things done today, and threw some away. I'm trying to focus on getting ready to move now, but it's proving to be a bit difficult to organize and motivate. Luckily, I'm not on a tight timeline, at least not yet.
I went for another walk before the sun disappeared, going all the way to the end of Harim Road and sitting there and enjoying the sunshine a bit before returning home.
I walked a total of 6.42 kilometers today.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Wednesday, 9 December 2015
I slept very well last night despite having to get up to pee. I woke us early feeling rested and went out and walked for more than an hour. I wore my jacket and generally felt quite comfortable.
I taught only 3 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-9:45 and 6:30-8:00.
After my first lesson, I met the buyer for my car, who drove it down from Kibbutz Lotan, and we finalized the deal and transferred the title, which is done here at the Post Office. That went very smoothly, and she drove me into town (from the local P.O.) where I deposited her check in my bank account. Then I walked back home.
I ate lunch at home, which was 2 sandwiches, both with cheese and tomato and mayonnaise, and one of them with a vegan "breast".
After lunch, I took another short walk to the green strip and then to the south end of Harim Road, where I rested a bit before returning home.
I walked a total of 11.71 kilometers today.
I taught only 3 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-9:45 and 6:30-8:00.
After my first lesson, I met the buyer for my car, who drove it down from Kibbutz Lotan, and we finalized the deal and transferred the title, which is done here at the Post Office. That went very smoothly, and she drove me into town (from the local P.O.) where I deposited her check in my bank account. Then I walked back home.
I ate lunch at home, which was 2 sandwiches, both with cheese and tomato and mayonnaise, and one of them with a vegan "breast".
After lunch, I took another short walk to the green strip and then to the south end of Harim Road, where I rested a bit before returning home.
I walked a total of 11.71 kilometers today.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Tuesday, 8 December 2015
I had trouble getting to sleep last night but generally slept quite well. I got up early but didn't go out for a walk, partly because of the cold and partly because I was planning to walk later (to WIZO).
I did walk to WIZO and back, and very much enjoyed it. I was given the honor of lighting the Khanuka candles, singing the blessings, and leading in singing one verse of Ma'oz Tzur for the celebration at WIZO today. At one point on the walk back, though, my feet, especially the left one, began to feel like they were burning. It was quite painful, so I stopped as soon as I could find a good place to sit in the shade and took my socks and shoes off for a while. There was nothing visibly wrong with my feet, and when I put the socks and shoes back on and continued home, I had no more problems.
I had a thin vegan shnitzel, a tomato, and a couple of Reese's peanut butter cups for lunch at home today.
In the mid-afternoon, I walked over and picked up some more boxes from my friends who moved. I used a little cart that I've had for many years to bring them back home quite conveniently.
I taught only one 2-unit Berlitz lesson today (to a student who works for Shell in Gabon!): 4:30-6:00.
In the evening, I walked down to the local Shufersal and bought a few miscellaneous items.
I walked a total of 10.14 kilometers today.
I did walk to WIZO and back, and very much enjoyed it. I was given the honor of lighting the Khanuka candles, singing the blessings, and leading in singing one verse of Ma'oz Tzur for the celebration at WIZO today. At one point on the walk back, though, my feet, especially the left one, began to feel like they were burning. It was quite painful, so I stopped as soon as I could find a good place to sit in the shade and took my socks and shoes off for a while. There was nothing visibly wrong with my feet, and when I put the socks and shoes back on and continued home, I had no more problems.
I had a thin vegan shnitzel, a tomato, and a couple of Reese's peanut butter cups for lunch at home today.
In the mid-afternoon, I walked over and picked up some more boxes from my friends who moved. I used a little cart that I've had for many years to bring them back home quite conveniently.
I taught only one 2-unit Berlitz lesson today (to a student who works for Shell in Gabon!): 4:30-6:00.
In the evening, I walked down to the local Shufersal and bought a few miscellaneous items.
I walked a total of 10.14 kilometers today.
Monday, December 7, 2015
Monday, 7 December 2015
I slept quite well last night but didn't go out for an early-morning walk, mostly due to the cold.
I was scheduled to teach 5 units of Berlitz lessons today (10:00-10:45, 11:30-1:00, and 5:30-7:00), but the second lesson turned out to be a late cancellation (for which I still get paid).
I had planned to go to the pharmacy after lunch, but I decided to go before when the lesson was canceled. So, I walked to the Maccabi pharmacy (about 3.5 km), picked up my prescriptions and a couple of other things, and walked back. The whole thing took only a little over 2 hours, including the time at the pharmacy, a stop to buy soda on the way back, and another stop to rest for a bit before I got home. It was very enjoyable, and I was comfortable wearing socks and shoes, jeans, and a short-sleeve t-shirt. In fact, on the way back, I was walking as much as possible in the shade to keep from being too hot.
I had cheese and tomato sandwiches and cookies for lunch at home today.
I was scheduled to teach 5 units of Berlitz lessons today (10:00-10:45, 11:30-1:00, and 5:30-7:00), but the second lesson turned out to be a late cancellation (for which I still get paid).
I had planned to go to the pharmacy after lunch, but I decided to go before when the lesson was canceled. So, I walked to the Maccabi pharmacy (about 3.5 km), picked up my prescriptions and a couple of other things, and walked back. The whole thing took only a little over 2 hours, including the time at the pharmacy, a stop to buy soda on the way back, and another stop to rest for a bit before I got home. It was very enjoyable, and I was comfortable wearing socks and shoes, jeans, and a short-sleeve t-shirt. In fact, on the way back, I was walking as much as possible in the shade to keep from being too hot.
I had cheese and tomato sandwiches and cookies for lunch at home today.
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Sunday, 6 December 2015
I slept somewhat fitfully last night, but overall it was okay. I did NOT get up early and go for a walk, though.
After breakfast, I decided to combine a long walk with some shopping research. I walked over to the area where I will soon be living and visited the 2 supermarkets there, first the Shufersal, and then the other market that is located immediately adjacent to our building. I had made up my grocery shopping list for the week, and I checked at each market to see if they had the items, and how much each cost, recording the numbers in a note on my phone. Then I walked to the Shufersal near my current place and did the same thing there. I didn't buy anything, though, at ANY of these 3. Instead, I drove over a little later to my usual Shufersal, the huge one on the other side of town, in the industrial area, and did my shopping there, also recording the prices. In addition, I bought a number of other items there.
After lunch at home (vegan weenies wrapped in a tortilla, a tomato, and a cucumber), I took another shorter walk around the neighborhoods south of here, stopping at the ATM to redraw more money to pay my landlord, who will come over later this evening.
In the late afternoon, the woman who's buying my car came into town from her kibbutz and paid me the amount of money I needed to pay off the loan on the car. When I get the clearance from the bank, she'll pay me the rest of the money for it and I'll transfer ownership to her.
I walked a total of about eleven and a half kilometers today.
After breakfast, I decided to combine a long walk with some shopping research. I walked over to the area where I will soon be living and visited the 2 supermarkets there, first the Shufersal, and then the other market that is located immediately adjacent to our building. I had made up my grocery shopping list for the week, and I checked at each market to see if they had the items, and how much each cost, recording the numbers in a note on my phone. Then I walked to the Shufersal near my current place and did the same thing there. I didn't buy anything, though, at ANY of these 3. Instead, I drove over a little later to my usual Shufersal, the huge one on the other side of town, in the industrial area, and did my shopping there, also recording the prices. In addition, I bought a number of other items there.
After lunch at home (vegan weenies wrapped in a tortilla, a tomato, and a cucumber), I took another shorter walk around the neighborhoods south of here, stopping at the ATM to redraw more money to pay my landlord, who will come over later this evening.
In the late afternoon, the woman who's buying my car came into town from her kibbutz and paid me the amount of money I needed to pay off the loan on the car. When I get the clearance from the bank, she'll pay me the rest of the money for it and I'll transfer ownership to her.
I walked a total of about eleven and a half kilometers today.
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Shabbat, 5 December 2015
I slept well but didn't go out for a walk this morning. I was tired, it was cold (okay, that's kinda relative, but one gets spoiled quickly here in Eilat), and it was quite windy.
Most of the day, I just relaxed, but I did treat myself to the wonderful Greek salad at the Gulf Restaurant (not to mention their lovely side salatim).
In the early evening, I talked with Joyce, David's sister in Ohio.
Later in the evening, I brought David, the husband of the couple I'll be living with soon, over to my place so that he could pick boxes for them to use that I got from some other friends who moved recently. Then we took the boxes over to the apartment where they live now. All three of us will be moving into the "new" apartment over the next few weeks. While I was at their place, their 2 guests from the U.S. returned from their day trip to Petra, Jordan, so I again got to chat a bit with them.
Despite not taking any real walks today, I still walked more than 3.4 kilometers.
Most of the day, I just relaxed, but I did treat myself to the wonderful Greek salad at the Gulf Restaurant (not to mention their lovely side salatim).
In the early evening, I talked with Joyce, David's sister in Ohio.
Later in the evening, I brought David, the husband of the couple I'll be living with soon, over to my place so that he could pick boxes for them to use that I got from some other friends who moved recently. Then we took the boxes over to the apartment where they live now. All three of us will be moving into the "new" apartment over the next few weeks. While I was at their place, their 2 guests from the U.S. returned from their day trip to Petra, Jordan, so I again got to chat a bit with them.
Despite not taking any real walks today, I still walked more than 3.4 kilometers.
Friday, December 4, 2015
Friday, 4 December 2015
I got up and walked for nearly an hour early this morning. It was noticeably chilly out, with a fairly strong breeze, so I was thankful for my thin flannel shirt (worn over my t-shirt), jeans, and socks and shoes. It was a good walk, though. Later, I also walked down and bought some produce at the local market and challah at the bakery.
I taught only 3 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-9:45 and 11:00-12:30. I had cheese and a nice salad for lunch at home today.
I had an appointment with my psychiatrist at 2:00 today. I walked over there early, and he was available, so I actually FINISHED seeing him at about 2:00. Then I took a long walk clear over to the intersection of Sheshet HaYamim ("The Six Days") and Y'rushalayim HaShlemah ("All of Jerusalem") streets, a little beyond where I will be living in a few weeks. It was a very pleasant walk, with enough sun to make it quite warm but enough wind to keep it almost chilly, too. I wore socks and shoes, jeans, an a t-shirt, and felt very comfortable.
I walked a total of almost 13 kilometers today.
As the last light of day was illuminating the craggy mountains of Edom across the valley, I lit candles, drank a bit of sweet red wine, and ate some challah to welcome the Shabbat. After that, I did my own little Kabbalat Shabbat prayers, sitting comfortably in my favorite chair and singing some of my favorite melodies.
I taught only 3 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-9:45 and 11:00-12:30. I had cheese and a nice salad for lunch at home today.
I had an appointment with my psychiatrist at 2:00 today. I walked over there early, and he was available, so I actually FINISHED seeing him at about 2:00. Then I took a long walk clear over to the intersection of Sheshet HaYamim ("The Six Days") and Y'rushalayim HaShlemah ("All of Jerusalem") streets, a little beyond where I will be living in a few weeks. It was a very pleasant walk, with enough sun to make it quite warm but enough wind to keep it almost chilly, too. I wore socks and shoes, jeans, an a t-shirt, and felt very comfortable.
I walked a total of almost 13 kilometers today.
As the last light of day was illuminating the craggy mountains of Edom across the valley, I lit candles, drank a bit of sweet red wine, and ate some challah to welcome the Shabbat. After that, I did my own little Kabbalat Shabbat prayers, sitting comfortably in my favorite chair and singing some of my favorite melodies.
ישמחו במלכותך שומרי שבת וקוראי עונג שבת
They will rejoice in Your realm, those who guard Shabbat and call it a delight.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Thursday, 3 December 2015
I got up early enough this morning to get in my usual full morning walk. For the first time this season, I actually wore jeans instead of short pants. I also wore a light flannel shirt, although I unbuttoned it fairly early into the walk and even removed it entirely on the last leg (walking down my street).
This morning, I showed my car to a woman from Kibbutz Lotan, an American originally from New Jersey, who was very impressed with it and has decided to buy it! The exact day of the transaction still has to be worked out, but it should all happen within the next week.
I taught 6 units of Berlitz lessons today: 10:30-12:00, 12:00-1:30, and 6:30-8:00.
I ate lunch at home and then took a long walk down to the bottom of Shakhamon (my neighborhood, which actually constitutes about half of the City of Eilat, really), just above the port, and then up the far south side, next to Nakhal Garuf. There is a HUGE amount of construction going on in that area, including both apartment buildings and some very lovely villas (which is what they call single family homes here in Israel).
I walked a total of 11.36 kilometers today.
This morning, I showed my car to a woman from Kibbutz Lotan, an American originally from New Jersey, who was very impressed with it and has decided to buy it! The exact day of the transaction still has to be worked out, but it should all happen within the next week.
I taught 6 units of Berlitz lessons today: 10:30-12:00, 12:00-1:30, and 6:30-8:00.
I ate lunch at home and then took a long walk down to the bottom of Shakhamon (my neighborhood, which actually constitutes about half of the City of Eilat, really), just above the port, and then up the far south side, next to Nakhal Garuf. There is a HUGE amount of construction going on in that area, including both apartment buildings and some very lovely villas (which is what they call single family homes here in Israel).
I walked a total of 11.36 kilometers today.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Wednesday, 2 December 2015
I slept well last night but was tired in the morning and so got up late and didn't go for a walk. I did take a short walk after breakfast, though, as far as the post office.
I taught 11 units (8.25 hours!) of Berlitz lessons today: 10:30-12:00, 12:00-1:30, 2:00-4:15, 5:00-6:30, and 6:30-8:00. Students were in Germany, France, Austria, and Hungary.
I taught 11 units (8.25 hours!) of Berlitz lessons today: 10:30-12:00, 12:00-1:30, 2:00-4:15, 5:00-6:30, and 6:30-8:00. Students were in Germany, France, Austria, and Hungary.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Tuesday, 1 December 2015
I got up and got in a lovely walk this morning. I actually wore a light long-sleeve shirt over my t-shirt, but I still wore short pants. Just before I arrived back home, I actually took the long-sleeve shirt off. I petted the most friendly, cute peaches-and-cream kitten during the walk. He wasn't afraid at all -- I even picked him up for a bit -- and he just purred like crazy.
I walked to the WIZO meeting this morning (and back afterwards). It only took me just over 45 minutes to get there. On the walk back, I extended and went all the way to the end of Harim Road before returning home. It was again such a perfect day out for walking.
I had Heinz beans and (vegan) weenies, plus a green salad with tomato and some cookies, for lunch at home today.
After lunch, I went and bought a lot more boxes and lids, tape, and pens to label boxes with.
I taught 4 units of Berlitz lessons today, all in the evening: 5:00-6:30 and 7:00-8:30.
Altogether, I walked more than 14.8 kilometers today (21,569 steps), a new record high for a single day.
I walked to the WIZO meeting this morning (and back afterwards). It only took me just over 45 minutes to get there. On the walk back, I extended and went all the way to the end of Harim Road before returning home. It was again such a perfect day out for walking.
I had Heinz beans and (vegan) weenies, plus a green salad with tomato and some cookies, for lunch at home today.
After lunch, I went and bought a lot more boxes and lids, tape, and pens to label boxes with.
I taught 4 units of Berlitz lessons today, all in the evening: 5:00-6:30 and 7:00-8:30.
Altogether, I walked more than 14.8 kilometers today (21,569 steps), a new record high for a single day.
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