Sunday, 31 January 2016

The first order of business this morning was to get my appointment arranged for an ultrasound transrectal exam of the prostate plus a biopsy. So, first I called the Assuta Hospital in Tel Aviv and got the appointment set for 10 February. Then I called Arkia Airlines to arrange the flights up and back (which will be on Maccabi's account). I still have to send some info about the flights to the Maccabi office, and I also have to set up an appointment with my doctor to get a prescription for the antibiotics that I have to start before the procedure and for the enema I have to take (yuck!).

In the late morning, I walked up to the outdoor gym and worked out for a while, then walked home via a circuitous route similar to the one I walked last night.

For lunch, I had a big salad with a tomato added, and 2 hard-boiled eggs.

In the afternoon, I walked up Nakhal Shakhamon, then along the pipeline road, and then on mountain bike trails into the hills. I ended up along a ridge with a spectacular view of Eilat, Aqaba, and the Gulf. There's even an Israeli flag and a picnic table there! After exploring a few other bike trails in the area, I returned back home through the nakhal. Naturally, I took a lot of beautiful photographs (I posted the best ones on Facebook).

In the evening, I made a quick trip to the local market to replenish my supplies. It's so wonderful to live such a short walk from a market (TWO of them, in fact!).

I walked a total of 11.57 kilometers today.

Shabbat, 30 January 2016

My big plan for today was to attend the Tu B'Shvat celebration (free admission) at the Botanical Gardens. So, a little before 9:15, I set out walking there. It's located at the extreme north end of town, so it took me about 50 minutes to get there. I wore a long-sleeve shirt over my t-shirt, and I carried a small pack on my back containing a big bottle of water. It was sunny but windy enough, especially after I started walking on the by-pass road, that I was glad for my long-sleeve shirt. When I arrived there, though, the first thing I did was take it off and put it in the pack, and that's where it stayed for the rest of the entire walk.

The Botanical Gardens are beautiful! And there were lots of people, booths selling things, activities, and music. There was even a big pile of snow that they had brought in for the kids to play in! The people tended to stay mostly in the main area near the entrance, though, so it was relatively uncrowded and peaceful on several of the peripheral trails, which were really lovely. There's also a large shop where one can buy all kinds of plants, trees, pots, and some garden supplies. However, it's also a very pretty place just to browse.

I walked around, rested in several places, and took lots of pictures. Finally, when I had seen just about everything and felt well-rested, I started on the next part of my walk.

I decided to walk around the other side of the airport and planned to have lunch at the Gulf Restaurant. On the way, though, I chose to lengthen my walk by following a drainage ditch around the back of the salt factory, walking on the levy road (a dirt road not open to vehicular traffic, at least according to the sign at the far end!). It was quite a long walk with no shade but with some great views of Eilat and Aqaba. Also, there was the big, very white pile of salt. At the end, I made my way diagonally to the tayelet (the walking mall that runs along near the north beach), passing the new lagoon. I did go to the Gulf Restaurant and enjoyed my favorite there, the Greek salad, not to mention all the lovely little salatim and soda bread that they bring for free.

The final leg of my journey was the walk home, which, of course, was uphill almost all the way. Despite stopping and resting at least 4 times, I felt quite tired by the time I got home. I sat in my comfortable chair and played a little on my iPad but finally dozed off a bit. Still feeling tired, I even lay down in my bed, but I don't think I slept any more at all. After half an hour or so, I got up, drank a little coffee, and completed the first week of my new class, Algorithms, Biology, & Programming for Beginners. It's proving quite interesting, and I aced the quiz on the first try. I also did all the little programming exercises correctly.

In the evening, I went out for another walk because I was feeling so refreshed. First, I headed directly for the outdoor gym, where I worked out on several machines for a while. Then I walked on Harim Road over to Los Angeles Street and down just past the gas station there, where I turned toward home, following a basically level route except for 12 steps near the end and the short walk from the market there to my place. For this walk, I wore just a light jacket over my t-shirt and felt very comfortable the whole time.

I walked a total of 16.18 kilometers today, which is a new daily record for me.

Friday, 29 January 2016

I walked up to the bakery before breakfast this morning and bought challah (as usual) and a box of cookies.

Before my first lesson, I completed my weekly house-cleaning.

I taught 4 units of Berlitz lessons today: 10:00-11:30 and 12:00-1:30.

I entertained the first guest in my new place today, a Facebook friend who lives in Eilat.

For lunch, I had about half of a can of Mexican style beans (mildly hot), a fresh bell pepper, and a little hummus and salat turki.

After that, I walked for a little over an hour, going all the way to the end of Harim Road and back.

Then I lit candles, drank a little sweet red wine, and ate a bit of challah to welcome another Shabbat.

In honor of Tu B'Shvat, the new year of the trees, which was last Sunday evening and Monday:

צדיק כתמר יפרח כארז בלבנון ישגה

שתולים בבית יי בחצרות אלוהינו יפריחו

The righteous like a palm tree will flourish, like a cedar in Lebanon will grow,

Planted in the house of the Eternal, in the courts of our G-d they will blossom.

Thursday, 28 January 2016

I was scheduled to teach 8 units today, but the 2nd 2-unit lesson turned out to be a late cancellation (for which I still get paid, of course): 9:00-10:30, 10:30-12:00, 12:00-1:30, and 3:00-4:30.

I had a big salad and weenies wrapped in tortillas for lunch at home today.

After my last class, I walked all the way down to Mall HaYam and wandered around the mall for a while. I even allowed myself the luxury of a massage in one of the chairs there (10 shekels). Then I headed back up the hill. It was quite cold out -- I wore a fairly light jacket with a hood, which I kept up most of the time I was outside because the breeze was chilly.

I walked a total of 6.29 kilometers today.

Wednesday, 27 January 2016

I did something different for breakfast this morning. I dug out my frying pan (for some reason, I had decided to keep only one HUGE frying pan) and made scrambled eggs (2 of them). I also used my toaster oven for the first time since I moved here and made some toast to go with the eggs.

I taught 5 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-9:45, 11:30-1:00, and 6:00-7:30.

After my first class, I walked up to the outdoor gym, worked out there for a while, took a moderately long walk, returned to the gym and worked out a little more, and then returned leisurely home, stopping at the market along the way. I was pleasantly surprised to see Post Grape-Nuts there, which I haven't had in a LONG time, so I bought a box.

For lunch, I had a thin vegan schnitzel and 2 small cobs of corn on the cob.

Then I set out on a long walk. First, I walked on Sheshet HaYamim Blvd. over to Shakhamon, then down to Khativat HaNegev Road, which I followed all the way to HaTmarim Road, taking the latter up to Maccabi. I arrived at Maccabi around 3:30 and immediately took a number so that I'd be the first in line when the office reopened at 4:00.

The reason for this visit was to get the necessary paperwork to schedule an appointment for a transrectal ultrasound and biopsy of my prostate gland (ordered because of the elevated PSA levels that were detected in my blood test). The woman who helped me was very good. We're hoping that they can do both of these at the Asuta Hospital in Tel Aviv (which is owned by Maccabi) because that would be the simplest, but she wasn't sure whether that would be possible or not. If it isn't, she also gave me the number of another hospital (also in Tel Aviv) that could do it and set things up so that I'll be able to go there if necessary without having to visit the Maccabi office again for another form. She gave me the numbers I needed and told me how to do everything, and I was able to communicate successfully entirely in Hebrew. When I have scheduled the appointment, I can also call the Arkia airline to schedule a flight on Maccabi's account.

When I was finished at Maccabi, I walked home. I observed a couple of interesting things on my way. The first was when 2 guys passed me on electric bicycles (which are VERY common and popular here in Eilat!). What was unusual in this situation was that the first one was TOWING the second! The other interesting thing I saw was some old people in a little park sitting at a table playing chess (there were at least 2 games going on the same small table). Sitting in the middle of the table and attentively watching one of the games was a gray cat!

I stopped at the supermarket above Rachel Café to buy maple and brown sugar oatmeal, which I'm almost out of and which is my favorite flavor.

I walked a total of 11.13 kilometers today.

Tuesday, 26 January 2016

A Coursera class that I signed up for many months ago but which was repeatedly delayed has now finally started. It's called "Algorithms, Biology, and Programming for Beginners", and it looks like it's really going to be interesting. We'll be doing cool things analyzing DNA!

It finally got cold enough today that I actually wore a long-sleeve shirt over my t-shirt when I went to WIZO. The get-together was especially enjoyable today since Terry (who's 93 years old!) treated us to a concert of him playing old favorites on his saxophone. Very nice!

After WIZO, I walked down to Maccabi for my appointment with the urologist. Since my PSA this time was even higher than a couple of months ago, he gave me a referral for a prostate biopsy which will have to be done at the Asuta Hospital in Tel Aviv. I have to get another form and more information from the office. I'm going to try to get that done tomorrow afternoon. Then I'll get more details and schedule the appointment. I'm sure that I'll have to take at least a day of Berlitz sick time to get up there for the procedure; I think Maccabi will pay the travel expense in some way.

After that appointment, I walked back home. Before I started up the last grade, I took my long-sleeve shirt off because I was getting too warm.

I had vegetarian cheeseburgers and salad for lunch at home.

I was scheduled to teach 6 units of Berlitz lessons today, but the last lesson (2 units) turned out to be a no-show: 3:00-4:30, 4:30-6:00, and 6:00-7:30.

I walked a total of 4.44 kilometers today.

Monday, 25 January 2016

I was originally scheduled to teach only 8 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:30-11:00, 12:00-1:30, 5:00-6:30, and 7:00-8:30. But I got the opportunity to teach an additional 2-unit lesson: 3:15-4:45, so, naturally, I took it.

I got a load of laundry done this morning, almost entirely shirts. I just brought it all in dry off the rack except for a pair of socks that are still a little damp.

I had weenies wrapped in tortillas and a large green salad with an added tomato for lunch at home today. I had sugar-coated nuts for dessert (in honor of Tu B'Shvat).

Because of the added lesson, I didn't get a chance to go out for a walk today at all.

Sunday, 24 January 2016

I ate breakfast slightly earlier than usual this morning and then headed down to Maccabi for a blood test. I have a 2nd appointment with the urologist on Tuesday, so I needed to get this 2nd PSA test so that he'll be able to compare it to the earlier one, which was above normal.

The phlebotomist told me that I should have a blood pressure reading and my weight on my records annually (and didn't), so I went over to the nurses' office afterwards and got that done. My blood pressure was 127/78 (if I'm remembering correctly), and my weight was 89.0 kg (about 196 lbs.), which is good, because I know that I have been as high as 95 or 96 kg.

Next I walked a short distance down the street and found a plug for my kitchen sink. Now when I do dishes I'll be able to immerse them in soapy water for a better job.

I took a more circuitous walk home, just to increase the amount of walking.

For lunch, I sliced the remaining small challah, put mayonnaise on one side, then added a couple of vegeburger patties, and finished with some ketchup. Does this count as fusion cuisine? In any case, it tasted good to me.

Later in the afternoon, I made 2 short grocery shopping trips, one to each of the 2 nearby markets. I splurged a bit on some special nuts and dried fruits for Tu B'Shvat (which began at sunset this evening). I also bought a dozen eggs to allow me additional options for my meals in the coming days.

Other than that, I was pretty much lazy today.

I walked a total of 6.13 kilometers today.

Shabbat, 23 January 2016

I was quite lazy today, but I did get a little bit done.

Late in the morning, I watched the BCC service from last night while running my first load of laundry here at my new place. It's now hanging on a rack in the hall just outside my apartment. It consists entirely of pants (slacks, jeans, and one pair of short pants). I'm sure it won't be try until at least morning, but that's okay.

I had cheese slices wrapped in tortillas and a big salad for lunch at home today.

After lunch, I went out for a walk. The breeze was cool, but the sun was warm, at least when it wasn't behind clouds. I was very comfortable in slacks and an untucked short-sleeve t-shirt. I walked quite leisurely and stopped 2 or 3 times to just sit and enjoy the lovely day.

In the early evening, I talked with Joyce, David's sister in Ohio.

Later in the evening, I looked through a few of my books and even read an entire children's book in Hebrew (little poems about animals and children -- quite nice).

I walked a total of 4.69 kilometers today.

Friday, 22 January 2016

I walked up to the bakery and bought challah and some cookies before breakfast this morning.

I taught 5 units of Berlitz lessons today (although the first one, a 1-unit lesson, turned out to be a no-show): 9:00-9:45, 10:00-11:30, and 12:00-1:30.

I had Heinz beans and vegetarian weenies for lunch at home today.

I continued the habit I started last week of doing a bit of basic housecleaning each Friday: dusting, sweeping, taking out the trash, washing dishes, and cleaning the bathroom.

In the afternoon, I took a long walk: down to Sheshet HaYamim Avenue, over to Shakhamon, up to the end of Harim Road, and back on Harim Road, with a short stop to work out a little at the outdoor gym.

In the evening, I lit 2 candles, drank some sweet red wine, and ate a bite of challah to welcome the Shabbat.

I walked a total of 7.75 kilometers today.

I leave you with a familiar quote from the Psalms today:

הודו ליי כי טוב, כי לעולם חסדו

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endureth forever." KJV

"Give thanks to the Eternal, who is good, whose kindness is forever." [my translation]

Thursday, 21 January 2016

I was scheduled to teach 6 units of Berlitz lessons today, but the 2nd 2-unit lesson turned out to be a late cancellation: 9:00-10:30, 4:30-6:00, and 7:00-8:30.

Immediately after my first lesson, I walked down to Misrad HaPnim (the "Interior Office") to change my address on all official government records. The wait was fairly short, and the clerk who helped me was quite efficient.

Rather than walking directly home afterwards, I decided to walk over to the cemetery and visit David's grave. Then I walked back home a different way, stopping to buy peanut butter at a market where I had seen that they carry my favorite kind (which is NOT at most supermarkets). I was wearing short pants and a t-shirt and so felt a little cool since it was partly cloudy with quite a bit of wind. But, overall, I was quite comfortable.

I had lunch at home today.

When I found out that my 2nd lesson was canceled, I decided to take another walk, this one to the southern end of Harim Road (the extreme southwest corner of town). I wore long pants and a sweater for this walk (since it began just after sundown), but I had to take the sweater off on the way back because I was too hot.

I walked a total of 13.15 kilometers today.

Wednesday, 20 January 2016

After breakfast this morning, I walked downtown to do some errands. First stop was the bank, to cancel some checks. Then I went to my optometrist's to get my glasses tightened a bit so they won't slide down my nose every time I sweat. Next stop was the police, where I learned that my file regarding the items Me'ir got on my account from Pelephone has been closed -- a little disappointing, but not unexpected, since ultimately it becomes little more than he-said/she-said. The final thing was a stop at the pharmacy to buy my favorite kind of toothpaste (actually, it's the pump dispenser that I'm after). Then I walked home leisurely, stopping several times to relax and enjoy the beautiful day.

For lunch, I combined vegan shwarma with hummus and salat turki to try to spice it up a bit. It was better than plain but still a bit tough.

After lunch, I took a hike into the hills further north. I started by walking up to something that appears to be some sort of oasis, with palm trees and other vegetation. The sign seems to indicate that it's some kind of a campground. Anyway, that wasn't really my destination, so I simply passed through and continue cross-country on the far side. I started following a narrow dry stream, but soon a marked trail joined me. When it turned away from the stream, I decided to follow it instead. It went up very steeply to a pass in the hills which offered a panoramic view of Eilat, Aqaba, and the Gulf. Unfortunately, the trail went DOWN the opposite side at least as steeply. I had to move very slowly and hang onto nearby rocks as much as possible to keep from sliding uncontrollably on the loose gravel. I managed to avoid hurting myself, though, and only sat down unintentionally a couple of times.

I taught 4 units of Berlitz today: 4:30-6:00 and 7:00-8:30. Between the two classes, I walked up and worked out a bit at the outdoor gym.

I walked a total of almost 13 kilometers today.

Tuesday, 19 January 2016

I again slept quite well and got up leisurely.

Today's WIZO meeting was especially interesting because David Bar-Chai told us about his songwriting and sang several examples for us.

After the meeting, I stopped by the Shufersal near there to pick up a couple of things I can't get in the local markets. Then I headed back home.

For lunch, I had vegeburger and cheese sandwiches at home.

In the afternoon, I took a fairly long walk: up to Harim Road, down just this side of Nakhal Shakhamon and Yotam Road, a stop at the Mega supermarket near the hospital to by my favorite kind of sweetener for coffee, which isn't sold at most markets, and then back home with a stop in a nice park along the way.

I taught only one 2-unit Berlitz lesson today: 4:30-6:00. In fact, the student, who is in Gabon (in Africa), wasn't feeling well, so we ended the lesson early at his request.

I walked a total of 8.56 kilometers today.

Monday, 18 January 2016

I woke up leisurely this morning but went out for a short walk and work-out after breakfast, before my first lesson.

I was scheduled to teach 8 units of Berlitz lessons today, but the last 2-unit one turned out to be a late cancellation (although I waited a half-hour before I was told about it): 9:30-11:00, 12:00-1:30, 3:00-4:30, and 5:00-6:30.

I went out for another short walk and work-out after my first lesson.

I ate lunch at home and then went out for a somewhat longer walk before my 3:00 class.

I even went for a VERY short walk before my 5:00 class (the late cancellation).

Altogether, I walked 7.21 kilometers today.

Sunday, 17 January 2016

I got up quite early this morning but was generally slow getting going. Finally, I set out walking to the electric company to see if I could pay my last bill. It turns out that I still couldn't -- I think I'll just have to wait until I receive my bill.

From there I walked toward the industrial area because I wanted to find a smaller fan than the one I bought Friday, which is too strong, even on its slowest speed (but it was NOT a waste because it's likely to prove useful in the summertime). I couldn't find any fans at הום סנטר (if you're puzzling over that Hebrew, like I did when I first came here, I'll help you out -- it's actually NOT Hebrew but transliterated English), so proceeded to an electric appliances store nearby. They had 2 small ones. I went for the more expensive one, and I'm glad I did. Besides between quite good-looking (a traditional oscillating fan, all black), it's VERY quiet, an important factor because I use a fan a lot to keep me cool while teaching, and extra white noise is NOT helpful in hearing the students. Also, I think it will last significantly longer than the cheaper one would. It was easier carrying it home and also simpler putting it together than the one I bought on Friday, as well.

I had vegan weenies wrapped in whole-wheat tortillas and a tomato for lunch at home today.

In the late afternoon, I decided to take another walk. I went down to Mercaz Mor the most direct way but returned via the hospital, Canada Gardens, and the outdoor gym. I stopped several times during the walk and also worked out at the gym.

I walked a total of almost 11 and a half kilometers today.

Shabbat, 16 January 2016

I got up quite early this morning, but I didn't go out for a walk because I knew I'd be walking a fair amount later.

I watched the BCC services from last night, and said Kaddish for David along with the congregation. Afterwards, I walked up to the outdoor gym again and worked out a bit, enjoying the beautiful weather.

David & Bassia had invited me for lunch at their place today, and so I walked over there and really enjoyed that.

In the early evening, I talked with David's sister in Ohio. We had missed talking last weekend because she had been in the hospital and had had a heart attack while there. She's okay, though, but still quite weak.

In the evening, I again took a short walk. I stopped and worked out a little more at the outdoor gym, then came down through part of Canada Gardens, and finally stopped at the market near there to buy milk, toilet paper, and another cottage cheese.

I walked a total of six and a quarter kilometers today.

Friday, 15 January 2016

I taught 4 units of Berlitz lessons back to back today: 10:00-11:30 and 11:30-1:00.

During the morning, my one fan quit working entirely, so, after I finished teaching, I decided to walk into town to try to find a new one, and I succeeded, even though this is hardly the season when the stores are selling lots of fans.

After that, I walked across the street and down a little and had my traditional Friday favorite at Il Pentolino: whole-wheat spaghetti with Palermo sauce (basically, assorted sautéed vegetables).

Then I started the walk back home. The fan's box had a sort of plastic handle on it, but before I had walked far at all, the tape the held the bottom of the box closed let loose and the fan started trying to slide out the bottom. So, I couldn't carry it any more by the handle. The rest of the way home, I alternated between carrying it horizontally on top of my head (with my hands stabilizing it on either side) and carrying it vertically in front of me in both hands.

As I was walking up Yotam Road, who should I pass going the other way but Me'ir. Walking alongside him was the young man I had met on the top of the hill the other day. Me'ir definitely saw me and knew that I had seen him, too, and, in fact, we both turned around to look back a short while after passing. But neither of us said anything or acknowledged the other. So, now I'm quite sure that he's still living in the same apartment, and the young guy is living with him. Interesting.

I started a new habit today: cleaning my apartment every Friday. I did the dusting and took out the trash before my first lesson and the rest of the cleaning shortly before candle-lighting time. It wasn't deep cleaning, but it should be enough to keep my place looking fairly decent. I'm really quite proud of myself for this.

Then I lit candles, drank a bit of sweet red wine, and ate a bite of challah to welcome Shabbat.

A little later in the evening, around 6:00, I walked up to the outdoor gym, worked out a fair amount, and then walked home by a more circuitous route. Both in the middle of the day and in the evening, I wore only short socks and shoes, short pants, and a t-shirt and felt quite comfortable.

I walked a total of 6.76 kilometers today.

ושמרו בני ישראל את השבת לעשות את השבת לדורותם ברית עולם

כי ששת ימים עשה יי את השמים ואת הארץ וביום השביעי שבת ויינפש

And the children of Israel will keep the Shabbat,

     to make the Shabbat, for all generations, an eternal covenant,

Because in six days the Eternal made the heavens and the earth

     and on the seventh day rested and was refreshed.

Thursday, 14 January 2016

I taught 10 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30, 10:30-12:00, 2:30-4:00, 4:30-6:00, and 6:30-8:00.

During the long break between 12:00 and 2:30, I walked all the way to the southern end of Harim Road and stopped by the old apartment to pick up mail on the way back (I shouldn't have to do that again, since I have now arranged for forwarding).

Between 4:00 and 4:30, I went out briefly again to buy a few things at the supermarket.

Pascal has taken to opening one of the closet doors and hiding back behind my hanging shirts. At first, I yelled at him and made him come out, but now I've decided to basically ignore it and let him sleep there if he wants. I don't think he's doing any harm to anything. It does seem a little ironic, though, to have a willfully closeted cat in my house. LOL

I walked a total of 5.78 kilometers today.

Wednesday, 13 January 2016

I was scheduled to teach 9 units of Berlitz lessons today, but the first lesson (1 unit) and the last one (2 units) turned out to be late cancellations (for which I still get paid): 9:00-9:45, 11:00-12:30, 3:00-4:30, and 4:30-6:00.

Between 10:00 and 11:00, I walked up to the outdoor gym and worked out there a bit, then walked back through Canada Gardens and even rested a bit.

I had cheese and tomato sandwiches for lunch at home today.

After lunch I rested a bit and then decided to take a hike up into the hills. I followed a trail up on the right (north) side of one of the nearest ones and made it all the way to the top, where there is an Israeli flag. Shortly after arriving there, another person, a young guy, also showed up. We were both admiring the spectacular views and snapping pics with our iPhones, and we even took turns swapping phones and taking pics of the other one. He mentioned that he lived in one of the tall buildings near there, and then I found out that he actually lives in Me'ir's apartment (or, at least in the apartment where Me'ir lived the last I had any contact with him). I asked the guy if he lived alone, but he said he had a roommate. So, it's possible that Me'ir has moved, and it's also possible that I just met his new roommate by total coincidence. I didn't ask any more, nor did I give him my name (or ask his). We had both come up on the same trail (on the ridge from the north), but we diverged going down, although neither of us went down the same way we came up. He went down a rather steep gully, even simply sliding part of the way, whereas I went down following a trail on the south ridge. On the way back, I again went through Canada Gardens. I stopped and rested in a different shady spot and took the time to upload some of the pics I had taken to Facebook (there was 4G connectivity at that spot).

I only walked a little over 4.6 kilometers today, but some of it was climbing pretty steeply uphill, of course.

Tuesday, 12 January 2016

I slept well, woke up fairly early, and got up leisurely.

I enjoyed the WIZO meeting this morning, during which we watched the rest of the film we started watching last week, about the pilots, mostly American, who founded the Israeli Air Force and, to a great degree, were responsible for saving the nascent Jewish state from being annihilated by the surrounded Arab countries who invaded with great force.

After I returned home, I rode down to the central post office with my landlady to do my change-of-address. Even with her there, though, they would not allow me to change it to her P.O. box, so I instead had to change it to her physical address. I CAN, however, receive mail addressed to me in her P.O. box, so my mailing address will now be: P.O. Box 4664, Eilat 8814502, Israel.

I walked from the post office over to my favorite pet store, Zebra, to buy cat food. From there I walked home.

I taught 6 units of Berlitz lessons today: 3:00-4:30, 4:30-6:00, and 7:00-8:30.

I actually forgot to eat lunch today and yet still was not particularly hungry. I did remember eventually, though, so I ate at home between 6:00 and 7:00 in the evening.

I walked a total of 7.88 kilometers today.

Monday, 11 January 2016

I woke up early this morning but got up fairly slowly.

I taught 6 units of Berlitz lessons today: 9:30-11:00, 12:00-1:30, and 3:30-5:00.

After my first class, I walked up to the outdoor gym (about a 6-minute walk from my new place) and went on several of the machines for a bit. There was one other person there, a fairly young guy with a just about perfect body and not wearing a shirt. Nice eye candy! LOL

I had Heinz beans and small vegan weenies and a tomato for lunch at home today. Afterwards, I made another quick trip to the nearest local market to buy laundry detergent, dishwashing soap, baby powder, and milk.

After my last class, I walked over to an appointment I had scheduled with my family doctor to get my prescriptions for the next 3 months. It's about a 21-minute walk from here (about twice as far as from my old place). Then I walked into town from there to the Maccabi pharmacy to get this month's prescriptions filled. Finally, I walked back home, arriving here just after 7:20.

I walked a total of over 9.2 kilometers today.

Sunday, 10 January 2016

I slept well but took my time getting up. This is a good time for Pascal (my cat) and me to cuddle a bit before starting our days. :-)

Later in the morning, my friend, Moshe, again joined me in going to the police about the items that Me'ir purchased at Pelephone on my account but without my knowledge or permission. The investigator was very patient and helpful, and carefully wrote all the details in his report. Despite this, it's not likely that much will come of it. After we finished at the police station, I walked back home.

I had cheese sandwiches and half a red bell pepper for lunch at home today.

In the afternoon, I walked to the electric company about the final electric bill since my former landlord keeps saying that we'll go and switch the bills but then doesn't call. I didn't have the final meter reading with me, but the lady said that the regular reading should be near the end of the week, so I can check online and pay the final bill, then ask the landlord to transfer it to his name.

Then I walked over and paid the final gas bill. The gas company ALWAYS kept the bill in the landlord's name, and I just paid when I received the bills (always VERY small because I used gas only for the stove top, which I only rarely used at all). After that, I walked back home.

In the late afternoon, I walked over to the nearest local market and did some grocery shopping.

I finally got back to working on my orchestral music today. I didn't do very much, but at least I made some progress and am now back in the grove just a bit more.

I walked a total of 8.32 kilometers today.

Shabbat, 9 January 2016

I got up fairly early this morning and went over to feed Moshe's cats and clean their litter box.

After breakfast, I tried to watch the BCC service from last night, but it got stuck partway through, and I finally gave up.

I had vegan shwarma and a tomato for lunch at home today. The shwarma really should be eaten with other things because it doesn't have much flavor by itself. I put some ketchup on it, and that helped, but next time I'll use it in combination with something else. This was the first time I had tried it.

In the afternoon, I went for a really nice walk up into the desert hills near here. I went to the top of one of them and got a fantastic panoramic view of Eilat, Aqaba, the Gulf, and even some mountains in Saudi Arabia. The hills themselves and the valleys and washes between them are also stunningly beautiful!

In the evening, I went over again to take care of Moshe's cats. I was particularly happy to see the white one, whom I had NOT seen this morning at all (but I HAD seen her last night, so I wasn't too worried).

On the way back, I stopped at one of the local markets and bought some cottage cheese and some yogurt.

I walked a total of over 12 kilometers today.

Friday, 8 January 2016

I woke up very early this morning but didn't quite feel like getting up and ended up going back to sleep for a bit more and getting up quite late. But I felt good.

Before breakfast, I made the short walk up to the bakery to buy challah for Shabbat.

I taught only 1 unit of Berlitz today: 9:00-9:45.

After the lesson, I walked over to Moshe's to feed his cats and clean their litter box.

At around noon, I walked into town on some errands. I got an adaptor so that my old computer that didn't have WiFi now does. Unfortunately, the connection is so slow that I won't be able to use it. However, I did manage to set my laptop up to drive the big screen so that's how I'll be teaching my lessons, beginning next week. This past week, I did them all on my Mac, but I prefer to have a separate computer.

I also bought a couple of trash cans that will be more appropriate for my new place. My existing main trash is fine, but I got a smaller one for the packaging recycling and another even smaller covered one for the bathroom to put the litter from the cat box into.

After that, I walked over to Il Pentolino and had my traditional Friday lunch there (whole-wheat spaghetti with Palermo sauce), something I haven't done in many weeks.

After all that, I walked home, carrying the things I had bought in a big plastic bag.

Before sunset, I lit candles, drank a bit of sweet red wine, and ate a bite of challah to welcome Shabbat.

In the evening, I brought the rest of the things into my apartment and stored them away. The only things remaining in the corridor now are the empty plastic bins, the cat carrier, and one small electric heater (in its box), which I probably will never need. So, I'm all unpacked, and my new place is almost ready for its close-up. :-)

A little later, I took the rest of the cardboard boxes to cardboard recycling and then walked over again to Moshe's to care for his cats.

I walked a total of 13 and a quarter kilometers today.

Today we received word that the terrorist gunman who killed several people in central Tel Aviv a week ago was found. When he tried to flee and fired at the forces pursuing them, he was shot dead. In honor of this, I'll share an appropriate verse from the Psalms (21:9) that I found:

תמצא ידך לכל-איביך ימינך תמצא שנאיך

Your hand will find all your enemies, your right arm will find those that hate you.

Thursday, 7 January 2016

I woke up early and got up very leisurely this morning.

I taught 12 units (NINE hours!) of Berlitz lessons today: 9:00-10:30, 10:30-12:00, 12:00-1:30, 3:00-4:30, 4:30-6:00, and 6:30-8:00. Whew!

At the lunch break, I ate spicy Mexican beans and weenies for lunch at home and then took a short walk up to the top of Canada Gardens. I stopped at the supermarket and bought a liter of milk on the way back. It's so decadent to live so near to supermarkets!

I walked only about one and a half kilometers today.

Wednesday, 6 January 2016

I slept fairly well last night and got up leisurely this morning.

I taught 3 units of Berlitz lessons today: 10:15-11:00 and 6:00-7:30.

At about noon, my friend, Moshe, and I went down to the Pelephone office to try to get the issue solved about the stuff that Me'ir added to what I bought him and took without my  knowledge. They weren't really very helpful and simply claimed that they had done nothing wrong. They even claimed that the 2 signatures that were clearly different from the others were actually also mine.

So we next walked over to the police station. Unfortunately, the investigator we talked to didn't have all the information needed, so he sent us back to Pelephone to get it. Moshe had to get back home to do some work, so I went by myself. They printed out the document that shows exactly which charges on my bill are for which items. I then walked back over to the police station.

When I got there, they told me that the investigator would be back in half an hour, which, as I knew, really meant an hour. Then, when he did show up, he had to speak to a couple of other people first. When it was finally my turn, he worried that his English wasn't good enough and tried, to no avail, to find a translator. We finally agreed that I'd come back on Sunday (I'm too busy tomorrow, and after that it's the weekend here). Hopefully, Moshe will be able to go with me again and translate as necessary. I don't know where all of this will go in the end, but at least I will have lodged my complaint as forcefully as I can.

I walked home in plenty of time for my 6:00 lesson.

In the evening, I unpacked the last boxes of books. Unfortunately, I don't have quite enough bookshelf space, so I had to also spend some time deciding which books I could live without. I've got that sorted now, but I still have to actually take the books I'm getting rid of out of here.

A walked a total of more than seven and a half kilometers today.

Tuesday, 6 January 2016

I slept well and woke up early but didn't get up right away.

I walked to the WIZO meeting this morning and found that it only takes about 18-20 minutes from my new place. Today, we watched part of the documentary "Above and Beyond", about a group of pilots, mostly Jewish American veterans of World War II, who started the Israeli Air Force and helped Israel survive the war of annihilation that was launched against it the day after it declared itself (when the British left). We'll watch the rest next week. It was very enjoyable.

I ate a couple of vegan shnitzel sandwiches and a tomato for lunch at home today.

I taught only one 2-unit Berlitz lesson today: 3:00-4:30.

Most of the rest of the day I spent unpacking books. I've got more than half of them unpacked and on the shelves now.

After my class, I walked clear to the southwest end of Harim Road and back. It took a little over an hour.

I also went over to the local supermarket to buy a few things. It's nice to live only a 1.5-minute walk from a supermarket (and only 3 minutes from another one that is even open on Shabbat!).

In the evening, my old landlord picked me up and took me to the old place to show me the work he'll have to have done. He's not very happy about it, and I'll have to pay him eventually, but he also had some compassion. He asked about Me'ir, referring to him as that בן-זונה (literally, "son of a whore", but maybe better translated as "son of a bitch"). Somehow, I'll manage to pay, although it will take several months, I'm sure. While I was there, I also picked up the cable company equipment, which I found out from them that I have to return to them. I'll do that tomorrow.

I walked a total of more than 10.3 kilometers today.

Monday, 4 January 2016

I again slept well, got up early, and eased into the day fairly slowly.

I taught four 2-unit lessons today, although the last one turned out to be a late cancellation: 9:30-11:00, 12:00-1:30, 5:00-6:30, and 7:00-8:30.

Between the first and second lessons, I took a little walk around the Mitzpe Yam neighborhood (which begins just across the street from me). It's really a very pleasant area, including Ganei Kanada (Canada Gardens, so-called because Jews in Canada raised money for its infrastructure), which is really a nice park with many trees, play areas, curved sidewalks, and stairs.

After the second lesson, I quickly walked over to the old place because I was supposed to meet my old landlord there at 2:00. I was a couple of minutes late, but he never showed up at all! Finally, at 3:00, I just left and walked back home. At least I got in a nice walk.

In the evening, when I found out about the late cancellation, I made good use of the time by unpacking several boxes of books, mostly ones that had been in the office near my desk at the old place.

My landlord didn't get a longer internet cable in place for me yet, so I took a chance and taught over WiFi (a wireless connection, which we're not supposed to do). I also had to use my Mac, since my old PC that I normally teach on doesn't even HAVE WiFi. I did have a back-up plan, though, in case I ran into any trouble: I had David's laptop plugged into the existing cable in the bedroom. That way, if I had had any delays or other connection problems that might be attributable to working over WiFi, I could just switch to the laptop and work in the bedroom (on a smaller screen, of course). Luckily, I didn't have to do that.

Sunday, 3 January 2016

I again slept very well last night and woke up early.

Of course, I spent most of the day unpacking today, and I made excellent progress. Now, everything is unpacked except the books and the family treasures (and a few other miscellaneous things that are in the same boxes). So, my clothes are all in their new homes, my kitchenette is set up, my piano is in place and playable, and (maybe most important of all) my desk and computers are all set up. At this moment, though, I'm still waiting to see if the landlord can get me a longer cable that will reach to my desk. If I don't get it, I'll have to teach in the bedroom, using my laptop. I could do that temporarily, if necessary, but, of course, I'd rather not.

I ate vegan weenies wrapped in whole-wheat tortillas and a tomato for lunch at home today.

In the late afternoon, I took a fairly short walk around on a very beautiful day. I walked north to the ring road (Harim Road), then followed that back around to the outdoor gym, where I worked out very briefly on one machine, and then I walked back home through the Mitzpe Yam neighborhood, stopping to buy a couple of things at the market there (the one that is also open on Shabbat).

Before I set everything up with my desk, I cleaned the top and front thoroughly, better than I ever had before. As I put contents back in my desk drawers, I took some time to get rid of some things and to organize the drawers a bit better, as well.

I'm also happy to have my comfortable IKEA chair and its matching footstool set up again. Pascal is, too, because he got to sit on my lap for a while this evening, which he REALLY enjoys (and I do, as well).

I walked a total of about 3.8 kilometers today.

Shabbat, 2 January 2016

I slept really well last night and woke up fairly early. I got going fairly slowly on my day, but I got a LOT done.

In the morning, I followed my usual habit of watching the BCC (Beth Chayim Chadashim) services from last night, and, as always, I enjoyed them.

I spent most of the rest of the day unpacking and putting stuff away. All the kitchen things are now unpacked, and so are all my clothes except for some boots. Tomorrow, I'll proceed to office things, books, and family treasures.

I had thin vegan shitzel and a yellow bell pepper for lunch at home today.

In the afternoon, I took a walk around some of the neighborhoods north of my new place, emphasizing parts I hadn't been in before. I was out walking for about 30-45 minutes.

In the early evening, I talked with David's sister, Joyce, in Ohio.

Friday, 1 January 2016

I slept fairly well last night but not as good as other nights recently. I got up late.

Before breakfast, I went out looking for challah and found some not far away. It's similar to what I usually buy but a little drier. That might be partly before I went out later than usual, too. Anyway, I now know which bakery to go to (the one in the Einat Shopping Center, in the Mitzpe Yam neighborhood, very close to here).

After breakfast, I set out with the car on some errands. First stop was the post office in Shakhamon to mail a package to David's sister, Joyce. Then I went looking for a cable (which probably doesn't exist, actually, but I have a possible second solution). Finally, I drove over to the big Shufersal to do a little grocery shopping.

After bringing the groceries home, I rested a bit and then drove down to return the car. Then I walked back home, stopping a few times to make other minor purchases, including candles for Shabbat and milk (both of which I had forgotten to get at Shufersal).

For lunch, I walked up to the same bakery where I had gotten the challah and bought a couple of cheese burekases, which I ate after returning home.

I made very good progress on the unpacking today. Almost all my clothes are unpacked and put away, and a number of other things are, as well. There's still plenty to do, but the way forward is quite clear.

Pascal slept in his new favorite spot, on top of the wardrobe most of the day. He generally seems fairly contented, though the sounds of people upstairs or in the apartment next door still alarm him a bit. And, of course, he still wants to explore everything and "help" with the unpacking (at least when he's not sound asleep). It's great to have him, though!

In the evening, I lit candles, drank a bit of sweet red wine, and ate a bite of challah to welcoming my first Shabbat in my new home and the first one of 2016.

In honor of the first Shabbat of 2016, here's the description in chapter 2 of Breishit (Genesis) of the very first Shabbat, together with my non-literal transliteration to more modern, colloquial English:

ויכולו השמים והארץ וכל-צבאם

ויכל אלהים ביום השביעי מכל-מלאכתו אשר עשה

ויברך אלהים את-יום השביעי ויקדש אתו כי בו שבת מכל-מלאכתו אשר-ברא אלהים לעשות

So the sky and the earth were finished, and everything in them.

G-d had finished all the work to be done.

So G-d blessed the seventh day and set it aside as something special,

     because G-d rested in it from all the work of creation.