October 29, 2023

Sunday October 29, 2023

Blog time 1915 sitting in office

We slept in until 0800.  No Church today.

Helen and Sally left for Gaylord today about 0900. Temperature was in 40s and gloomy.  Temperature in Gaylord was in 30s.

Nancy and I headed to Meijer’s so Nancy could pick up a prescription.  We then had coffee and a croissant at Panera.

Today after our coffee we took a ride through rural areas south of Cook Valley.  We noted the leaves are almost gone.  Because of our wet weather a lot of corn and soybeans had not been harvested.

We drove about 90 minutes.  A very pleasant drive.

At home I bundled up and took a 10 mile bike ride.

We snacked all day so no special time for dinner.  Finished the muffins sister, Helen, brought and Sugar Mom’s cookies that Nancy purchased on Saturday.

Debbie called this evening. We got caught up.

Tonight we watched an old English mystery on BritBox.  Not very good.

We were both in bed by 2200.

 

October 28, 2023

 Saturday October 28, 2023

Blog time 1830 on Sunday

Helen and Sally were up about 0800.  They did not want breakfast.  Headed straight to their meeting.

Nancy and I followed our normal Saturday routine.  Breakfast at “The Gathering Place” followed by a quick stop at Panera.

We have been having a stretch of freaky weather.  Temps in the 60s with scattered rain daily.  It has limited my bike riding.  However, today temperature was in 40s which is normal.  I found time to take a 10 mile bike ride.  I wore my summer bike clothes. I was very cold.

Helen and Sally returned to Cook Valley about 1500.  They said about 200 folks attended their meeting.  

This afternoon Helen’s Granddaughter Paige and husband Mike visited with their new baby boy Kingston.  Helen, Sally, and Nancy had a chance to hold the baby.  Good times.

Interesting that neither Mike or Paige had never heard of the Kingston Trio.  We sang some of the Trio’s hits and it did not register.  

For dinner tonight we drove to NO-CO.  The place was not very crowded.  We did not see any senior citizens.  We all had a sandwich and wine.  The food was good but not great.  What does that mean?

After dinner we sat in the living room and had a nice conversation.  Nancy and I seldom sit and talk with other folks, so we enjoyed the past two evenings.

Every one was in bed by 2130, except me.  I stayed up and read the WSJ.

October 27, 2023

Friday October 27, 2023

Blog time of 1815 on Sunday 

Summary of Day’s activities;

Up early today.  My sister, Helen, and her friend Sally are coming this afternoon.  They are attending a Church meeting on Saturday and will stay at Cook Valley.  I had the Guest room reserved for two night.

Today was swim day for Nancy.  Lately she has no problem getting a lane.  In fact I have noticed that attendance at MVP is way down.

After our workout we head to Panera for coffee and croissant.  Before going home made a quick stop at Meijer’s for supplies.

Helen and friend, Sally Anderson,  arrived about 1500.  

Tonight we all had dinner in the Dining room.  Helen and Sally said they liked the food.

After dinner we sat in living room, drank wine and talked.

Helen and Sally were in their room by 2100.

Nancy also went to bed at 2100.

I stayed up and read the WSJ.

October 26, 2023

Thursday October 26,  2023

Blog time 1800 on Sunday 29 October 29, 2023

Yes I am several days behind.

Day's activities:

First thing we pick up because cleaning folks are coming.

Drove to MVP:  We did our Thursday routine.

Coffee and crossiant at Panera.

Arrived home at noon.

Returned all items we moved for cleaning folks.

Found time for a quick nap.

Attended Happy Hour followed by dinner in main dining area.

Watched last episode of "Young Wallendar".  

Nancy headed to bed and I stayed up and read WSJ. 

October 25, 2023

Wednesday October 25, 2023

Blog time 1630 sitting in den.  Writing blog on Laptop.

It was dark and gloomy when got up at 0730.  Hard to believe but the temperature was in 60s all day.  Daylight not until 0809.  DST ends November 5.

Light sprinkles on our drive to MVP.  Nancy did her swim.  Today is my easy day so I did the routine at 50%.

Gloomy and rainy when we headed to Panera.  Bought our coffee and croissants.  Spent some time reading the morning papers on our iPads.  Panera was empty.

Today we had an auto adjuster come at 1300 to make an estimate on repair cost for Escape.  I thought his estimate was reasonable.

After the adjuster left we drove through heavy rain to Great Clips so Nancy could get her hair cut.  They did a great job Nancy  looks great.

The cleaning crew cleans our apartment tomorrow.  We spent time picking up.

This afternoon I took a short nap.  No Bike ride today.

We attended Happy Hour and had dinner in the Dining Room.  Nancy had the shrimp cocktail and I had salmon with a salad.

Tonight we watched Death in Paradise.  Like this show but I think we have seen them all.

Nancy headed to bed at 2130.  I stayed up and read the WSJ.  I was in bed by 2200.  

 

October 24, 2023

Tuesday October 24, 2023

Blog time 1650 sitting in office.

Up this morning at 0730.  The sun was not up yet, sunrise 0808.  Very warm this morning.  High temp today will reach 70s.  

Fixed an oatmeal w/ blueberries breakfast.  We left for MVP at 0845.  Today Nancy did her stationary bike and treadmill routine.  I did my calisthenics followed by a shower.

Today we had coffee and croissants at Panera.  We both took our iPads.  Checked email and read Michigan papers.  

MSU has been getting a lot of negative pressure.  Major disruption with the elected board.  Several members asking the chairman to resign.  Of course the athletic department is still under fire.

After Panera we made a brief stop at Forest Hills Foods.  I like this store.  Not Nancy's favorite.

This afternoon I took an eight mile bike ride.  Did not see any critters but the fall colors were spectacular.

Tonight we attended Happy Hour.  Good crowd about 19.

We had dinner in the Main Dining room.  Every one at our table had the special, chicken pot pie.  Our table mates were Jim and Susie Sebastian.  They are leaving Thursday for Florida.  A lot of Cook Valley folks spent the winter in Florida. 

Tonight we watched the last two episodes of "Young Wallendar".  Good show.

Nancy headed to bed at 2100.  I stayed up and read the WSJ.

October 23, 2023

 Monday October 23, 2023

Blog time 1335, sitting in office

Up this morning at our usual 0730.  Fixed an oatmeal breakfast w/blueberries.

Nancy packed her swim gear in her bag and we headed to MVP.

The pool was not crowded but the main workout area was jammed.  Don't these young adults have a job?

Anticipating no bike ride today because of a 1420 dental appointment I increased my time on stationary bike to 15 minutes.

We headed straight to Panera after MVP.  I bought us a bagel and croissant to go with the coffee.  Spent an hour reading the local papers.  

On way home we stopped at Forest Hills Foods to get a bottle of prune juice (light).  FHF did not have.  Neither did Meijer's when checked yesterday.

At home I got caught up on my blogs.  I have a 1420 dental appointment today.  Left at 1400 and spent only 5 minutes waiting.  Today a permanent crown was installed.  It took 40 minutes.

After the dentist I headed to D&W.  Luckily D&W had the Light Prune Juice that I like.  Bought 3 bottles.

Tonight we attended "Happy Hour", light attendance.  We had dinner tonight in the Main Dining hall.  Our table mates were Lars and Doris Larson who are summer residents of Beaver Island.  Nancy and I had the dinner special, a shrimp, rice medley. 

Tonight we watched another two episodes of "Young Wallander". We should finish the series on Tuesday.

Nancy headed to bed and I stayed up and read the WSJ.  Not much of interest that I want to comment on.  

October 22, 2023

Sunday October 22, 2023

Blog time 1330 on Monday 

Sunday morning got up early, 0700.  Dressed for church and fixed an oatmeal breakfast.  Looks like a sunny day ahead.  Temperature to start in 30s but should reach 50s later.

Church was very crowded today.  Pastor Bob gave a great Homily on peace in the world.  Very timely.

Every Sunday the Church ladies proved snacks.  We overindulged on cookies.  

After church we took our Sunday drive through rural areas.  Today we headed north.  Fall colors are now at their peak.

Stopped at Meijer's for supplies.  The store's shelves were not fully stocked.

This afternoon I took an 8 mile bike ride.  Usually I stop at the Burton St bridge that is undergoing renovations.  The closure of the bridge is a major inconvenience for folks at Cook Valley.  Noted some progress but don't expect bridge to open before Thanksgiving.

For dinner tonight Nancy fixed me a lean cuisine meal.  We watched the news followed by another episode of "Young Wallendar".  We were both in bed by 2130.

October 21, 2023

Saturday October 21, 2023

Blog time 1315 sitting in office.

Saturday Morning.  We were up at 0715.  Both had a good night's sleep.

It was raining with temperature in high 30s.  Coldest morning in weeks.

Dressed and headed to "The Gathering Place".  The restaurant was crowded.  Nancy order her usual "Western Omelette" with raisin toast and I had oatmeal a scrambled egg and raisin toast. As always the food was good.

After breakfast we took our weekly ride through Ada Village ending up at the Kraft Ave Panera.  We got our free coffee and a croissant.

It was still raining when we got home so probably no bike ride today.  At home Nancy started the laundry.  Today is clean sheets day.  We stripped the bed and put on clean sheets.  What a chore, we will ask the cleaning folk who clean every two weeks if we could pay them to put on clean sheets.

This afternoon I took a short nap.  For dinner tonight we had a frozen custard at Culver's.  It was good.

Tonight we watched two episodes of "Young Wallander".  Nancy headed to bed and I stayed up and read the screwed up WSJ.

I am completing this blog on Monday morning.  I cannot recall who Facetimed us this weekend.  I think we talked with Missy, Debbie and Alessandra.  But who knows?

Today I did watch some of the UM/MSU game.  Is UM good or MSU bad?  I really have lost interest.

  

October 20, 2023

Friday October 20, 2023

Up this morning at 0800.  I had a fitful night.  My arm was very sore from Thursday's covid shot.

Nancy had another problem.  She could not sleep.  I said it was from all the chocolate she ate last night.  The caffeine in chocolate will inhibit sleep.  No MVP for Nancy today.  She is staying in bed.

I did all my calisthenics at home today, no MVP.  Nancy was still in bed so I went to Panera by myself.  Temperature in 40s with light rain.

At Panera I ordered a scone and coffee.   Spent an hour reading the local Michigan papers.

At home I changed into bike clothes and took a 7 mile ride.  The heavy rain had stopped only a light mist.  I noted the colors were at peak.

I had a light lunch followed by a nap.  Tonight Nancy and I attended Happy Hour.  We had dinner in the main dining.  Very small crowd.  Both Nancy and I had the shrimp cocktail.

Tonight we watched another episode of "Young Wallendar".  Good show.

Nancy headed to bed and I stayed up and read the WSJ.  I don't like the new format for the WSJ.   

October 19, 2023

 Thursday October 19, 2023

Blog time 1620, sitting in office.

I overslept this morning. Did not get up until nearly 0800.

Did the at home calisthenics routine, followed by breakfast of yogurt with granola.  Rain predicted for most of day.  Temp in low 50s when we headed out.

I have a locker at MVP so I put on workout clothes.  Nancy put her workout clothes on at home.

Nancy was already doing her treadmill routine when I arrived.  After her treadmill she will ride the stationary bike.

I did my standard calisthenics.  No outside bike today so I used the stationary bike for 15 minutes.  After completing my routine I showered.

Nancy was waiting for me when I entered MVP’S lobby.  Drove to Panera for our morning coffee.  We were both hungry so I ordered two croissants.  Left Panera at noon and headed home.

At home I called Forest Hills Food about getting a Covid shot.  They said come in at 1415.  We arrived at 1410.  Short wait before getting our shot.

This evening Nancy and I are attending an opening of a new exhibit at Meijer Garden.  We drove to the Gardens in pouring rain.  The exhibit is called “Forest of Dreams: Contemporary Tree Sculptures”.

 For refreshments we bought cookies from the snack bar.  

The lecture started at 1800 and ran an hour. I gave it a C.  When the lecture ended we walked around the exhibit.  It took about 15 minutes.  We were home at 1930.  Watched a Netflix show before turning in.

Both Nancy and my arms were sore from the Covid shot.  Stay tuned for tomorrow’s report on our restless night.

October 18, 2023

 Wednesday October 18, 2023

Blog time 1630 sitting in office.

Up once again at 0730.  Sun rise not until 0800. 

Nancy already had her swim suit on.  I fixed oatmeal with blueberries for breakfast before dressing.  

MVP was not crowded today.  Once again Nancy did not have to wait to get a swim lane.  Being Wednesday my easy day I did my calisthenics at 50%.  

After MVP we headed to Panera.  I was hungry so ordered two scones to share.  Love scones!

After Panera we stopped at Sheldon Cleaners.  Cold weather is coming so I left my favorite Pea Coat to get is cleaned.

This afternoon Nancy attended a piano concert.  It was a nice sunny day so I took a seven mile bike ride, followed by a nap.

This evening we attended 1700-1800 Happy Hour.  Lately Happy Hour has been well attended, 18-20 folks.  

For dinner Nancy had shrimp cocktail, I had the dinner special, ham with beans and rice.  We split a scoop of vanilla ice scream for dessert.

Tonight we watched two episodes of “Young Wallander”.  Great show.

Nancy headed to bed at 2130.  I stayed up and tried to read the WSJ.  The Journal has changed its digital format.  The change is terrible.

This and that:

The GOP still cannot pick a leader.  We badly need a third party.

A lot of misinformation regarding the Middle East.  I heard President Biden’ new conference and I thought it went well.

The fall colors are now at their peak.  Beautiful!  No signs of frost in the next week.

October 17, 2023

 Tuesday October 17, 2023

Blog time 1645 sitting in office

Up at 0730.  Fixed myself a yogurt parfait for breakfast.  Also did my at home leg raises, push ups and pull-ups.

No swim for Nancy today.  Treadmill and stationary bike are her Tuesday and Thursday routines.

MVP was not crowded.  Did pushups, pull/chins ups and rode     the stationary bike for 10 minutes.  I am still recovering from my cold so no outside activities.

After the workout I showered.  We had our morning coffee as usual at Panera.

Came straight home after Panera.  Today is good grooming day.  I shaved my head and face before a quick nap.

Tonight we attended Happy Hour followed by dinner in the main dining a room.  I had a burger, sans bun, and Nancy had her usual shrimp cocktail.

Tonight we watched two episodes of “Young Wallander”.  Debbie called, she is ready to make a big announcement soon on her future. Stay tuned.

After Wallander, Nancy headed to bed. I stayed up and read the WSJ.  Once again the Middle East dominates the news.

October 16, 2023

 Monday Oct 16, 2023

Slept in until 0745, Nancy already had her swim suit on. I did my at home calisthenics at 50% and then fixed an oatmeal breakfast. I am still recovering from cold.

MVP was not crowded.  As soon as I got dressed in work out clothes checked the pool and Nancy was already swimming.  No wait today for a lane.

After my routine I showered and put on lotion.  We then headed to Panera for our morning coffee.

We spent some time after our coffee running errands.  First stop was Fitzgerald’s.  Picked up a pair of dress trousers.  Next we headed to Meijer so I could pick up a prescription.  Nancy was starving so we stopped at Forest Hill Foods.  Nancy got a chicken breast and some baked beans.  I helped her eat the beans.  They were delicious.

This afternoon I took a nap.  No bike today. 

We attended Happy Hour and then had dinner in the dining room.  Nancy, as usual, had the shrimp cocktail and I had soup with a salad.

Tonight we watched an episode of “Young Wallander”. I thought it was great, Nancy not so much.  Nancy headed to bed and I stayed up and read WSJ.

The news outlets have been bombarding us with reports from the Middle East.  I am surprised at the our woke generation blaming Israel.  The woke folks have caused disruptions at colleges.  Good to see Harvard Alums telling college no gifts or jobs for protestors.

October 15, 2023

 Sunday October 15, 2023

Woke up today at 0800 feeling slightly better.  Nancy woke up confused she thought today was Monday.  She had her swim suit on.  

I was still not 100% so decided no church.  We badly needed supplies so made a quick trip to Meijer’s followed by a stop at Panera for coffee.

At home we put away our groceries.  I took a pill and then a long nap.

We took a short afternoon walk.  Felt good to be outside.  The leaves are almost at peak color.

I had a yogurt parfait for dinner.  Tonight we watched two episodes of “Bergerac”.

We were both in bed by 2200.

October 14, 2023

 Saturday October 14, 2023

Blog time 1150 on Sunday the 15th.

I spent a miserable night, typical cold, with runny nose etc.

Usually we have breakfast at “The Gathering Place”.  Not today.  I spent most of the day in bed.  I did walk downstairs to the Harbor Cafe and got us a coffee at 0900. My only venture outside the apartment today.

Tylenol was my medicine of choice.  Downed one every 4 hours.  I also drank plenty of water.

Towards the end of the day I started feeling better.  Had a chicken lean cuisine dinner.  

Tonight we watched an episode of “Bergerac” staring John Nettles of “Midsomer Murder” fame.  An ok show.

Nancy headed to bed at 2200. I stayed up and read the WSJ.      

I am surprised at the number of folks in US supporting Hamas.  Clearly Hamas started the invasion.  

Will Harvard ever regain any credibility?  The Woke generation is stupid.

October 13, 2023

 Friday the 13th.  I woke up this morning with a bad cold.  It will be a two hanky day.  Fixed oatmeal with blueberries for breakfast. 

Nancy and I drove to MVP.  I did my routine at 50%, after the work out I took a nice hot shower.  As I was getting dressed I could not find my iWatch.  Looked every where.  The staff said they would call me if the watch was found.  As I was leaving I thought my sock was bunched in my shoe.  Took off shoe and “lo and behold” my iWatch was in my shoe.  

We had our morning coffee at Panera.  Panera was very cold so we left without doing any reading.

At home I took a long nap.  My cold was getting worse so I stayed in bed.

Nancy had dinner with the Moores after the all played Mexican Train.  This evening I watched an episode of “Pacific” on Netflix.  Tonight’s episode was about the battle at “Guadalcanal”.  The first major land battle.  While watching all I could remember was a Navy Chief telling me about driving a landing craft.  He said he never so scared.

After Nancy got home I took several Tylenol and headed to bed.

October 12, 2023

Thursday October 12, 2023

Up this morning at 0730.  The temperature was in low 50s.  Cloudy but no rain today.  

We both quickly dressed.  I had yogurt for breakfast.  Nancy and I went together to MVP.  Nancy did the treadmill and stationary bike.  I did pull/chin ups, 100 sit-ups, 50 push ups using perfect push up bars. Rode 15 minutes on stationary bike.

After the workout I showered, applied lotion and dressed.  Nancy was waiting in the entrance hall for me.  We drove to Panera for our morning coffee and croissant.  We spent time talking before heading home.

At home I put on warm bike  clothes and headed out.  Today I rode 8 miles.  No time for a nap this afternoon.

We attended 1600 Happy Hour.  Happy Hour lately has been well attended.  20 folks last night.  We had dinner in the Main Dining room.  Our dinner guests were the Sebastians.  Jim Sebastian was a friend of Steve Fletcher from Alpena.  

Following dinner Nancy and I played Bingo.  Nancy won $4. No TV tonight.  Missy did call tonight.  We had a nice talk.

This and that:

POTUS appears very confused.  Most of his comments on current events come out garbled.

Speaking of garbled, the House GOP cannot elect a leader.  House of idiots!

Israel sure was unprepared for the Hamas invasion. I think it is going to get nasty.

I am feeling a cold coming on so I headed to bed without reading the WSJ. Stay tuned.

October 9, 2023

 It has been a week since my last post.  A lot has happened:

Last Wednesday we attended a party at the University Club.  50 Cook Valley residents were the Guest of Peter Turner a 92 year old resident of Cook Valley.  We had a great 7 course dinner along with plenty of wine.

The leaves are turning fast in GR.  This is a special time of year.  I have been able to ride my bike every day.

Kevin McCarthy losing his Speaker job was something middle of the road folks like me thought was tragic.  The idiots rule.

Hamas’s attack on Israel caught everyone by surprise.  I sure hope a peace settlement is possible.

Nancy had another fender-bender last week at MVP.  She ran into a parked car.  Her foot slipped.  Damage is minor.

The passing of Jimmy Buffett was sad.

Today, Oct 9, we both got up a 0730.  The temperature was 38 and windy.  Typical Fall weather.

Nancy got ready for her swim and I fixed an oatmeal breakfast.  Today I drove both of us to MVP.  We are using the Fusion until the Escape gets repaired.

After our workouts we drove to Panera for our morning coffee.  On our way home we stopped at Forest Hill Foods and bought granola and fiber.

I spent several hours taking summer clothes down stairs and bring up warm weather garments.   Fall weather means Corduroy.  I found three pair of pants and a sport coat.

Took a seven mile bike ride this afternoon.  I wore light weight long underwear under my riding pants.  I also wore a lightweight wool jacket under my bright yellow bike jacket.  My sister gave me the wool jacket for my birthday.  A great jacket.

We had dinner in the Main Dining room tonight.  Nancy had a shrimp cocktail and I had the special mushroom soup with a. Salad.

Tonight we watched two episodes of the “Good Cop”.  It is now 2130.  Nancy just headed to bed and I still have to read the WSJ.

October 3, 2023

 Tuesday October 3, 2023

Blog time 1630 sitting in office.

I am way behind so decided to start fresh today.

Up at 0730.  The sun was just coming, 0742.  Nancy got ready for her MVP visit.  Today she walks the treadmill and pedals a stationary bike.  She left at 0800.

Lately I have been doing all my calisthenics, except chin ups, at home.  No oatmeal breakfast today.  After the calisthenics I pu on bike clothes and pedaled the 5 miles to MVP.  Temp was in high 50s when I started and was almost 70 when I arrived.  Today is going to be a hot one, high 80s.

I completed my chin-ups in under 15 minutes.  Put jacket back on and pedaled 2 miles to Forest Hills Foods.  Today I bought a yogurt parfait, complete with granola and blueberries.  I love the parfait but is must be loaded with calories.  Read the Michigan papers and also bought a paper copy of the WSJ.  I wanted to compare the digital against the paper.  The paper WSJ cost $3.00 which seem outrageous.  

Got home at 1230, total miles 9.5, shaved and showered and got ready for 1420 dentist appointment.  No lunch today.

When I arrived at the Dentist office I was informed that my appointment was not until Oct 23.  Bummer! 

Left Dentist office and headed to Burton Car wash.  Got the Escape cleaned inside and out.  We are using the Escape to take some neighbors to a party tomorrow at the Downtown University Club.

After the car wash I stopped at Fitzgerald’s.  I bought a pair of dress pants.  First purchase of nice clothing in over a year.

Blog resumes on Monday October 9.  Once again I am way behind.

Tonight we had dinner in the dining room.  I cannot remember what we watched on the internet tonight.

Nancy headed to bed at 2130 and I stayed up and read the WSJ.

September 26, 2023

 Tuesday September 26, 2023

Blog time 1550 on Thursday 28 Oct

I had some difficulty sleeping because of my dental work.  I got up and took 2 pain pills.  That helped.

I have not talked about Missy and AJ’s big adventure.  Missy has enrolled AJ in a special school in San Diego.  It is about a two hour drive from LA.  Missy spends the evenings in an Extended Stay hotel.  Missy say the school is a good fit for AJ.

Today I followed my normal Tuesday routine.  Up at 0730, oatmeal breakfast, bike 5 miles to MVP and then after my calisthenics I pedal 2 miles to Forest Hill Foods.  

Purchase a bagel and Starbucks coffee.  Read the Detroit and Alpena News before heading home.  Total miles 9.5.

More activities:

Lunch, do some chores and then a nap.

Attend Happy Hour and then have dinner in Main Dining Hall.

We watched a Netflix show.  I cannot remember the name.

Nancy headed to bed at 2200. I stayed up and read the WSJ.